Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of the Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
PMO Manager – Strategic Resource Option (SRO) Programme
Exeter or Bristol HQ | Shape the future of water for our region
About The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our SRO Programme. Reporting to the Programme Director, you’ll lead a high‑performing PMO function that ensures our projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with strategic priorities and regulatory frameworks. You’ll inspire teams, champion innovation, and embed best‑in‑class project governance, helping us deliver sustainable water solutions for generations to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our PMO Manager, you will:
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.
- Champion a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a key member of the SRO leadership team, deputising for the Programme Director when required.
- Lead and develop a centralised PMO function supporting a complex portfolio of strategic projects.
- Establish and embed project standards, frameworks, tools, and governance.
- Oversee portfolio performance, prioritisation, and resource planning.
- Manage risks, issues, and escalations to keep delivery on track.
- Drive organisational change aligned to Ofwat and RAPID frameworks.
- Evolve systems, processes, and ways of working in response to a dynamic regulatory landscape.
- Provide strategic insight and advice to senior leadership and the Board.
- Monitor programme performance through dashboards and executive reporting.
- Ensure alignment with regional water planning and delivery models.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Expertise
- Extensive experience in project/programme management.
- People management experience.
- Proven track record delivering large, complex infrastructure programmes (ideally in water or regulated sector).
- Strong background in PMO leadership, governance and portfolio management.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic delivery.
Qualifications
- PMP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent (essential).
- Degree‑level education (Master’s desirable).
- Lean Six Sigma or similar (desirable).
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a focus on long‑term outcomes.
- Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
- Collaborative, resilient, and adaptable.
- Passion for driving change and delivering measurable results.
Why Join Us?
At South West Water, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Help deliver critical infrastructure that supports communities and the environment.
- Lead transformation in a forward‑thinking, purpose‑driven organisation.
- Work alongside passionate people who put customers and colleagues first.
- Shape innovative solutions to future water challenges.
What You’ll Get
Join us and help deliver a reliable, high‑quality service for our customers across the South West. As our PMO Manager, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills.
- Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role.
- Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance.
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future.
- Flexible Working Options – We value work‑life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible.
- Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs.
- Employee Discounts – On various products and services.
- Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re motivated by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to lead at scale, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help secure water for the future.
Closing Date: 29th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Core Values
- Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You – Bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive progress. Own the challenge.
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset. From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and making environmental strides to be a company you can be proud of.
