Closing Date
12/01/2026
Job Title: Performance & Efficiency Lead
Location: Falmer or Durrington base (Hybrid: 2 days office / 3 days remote/ occasional site visits required) – a valid driving licence is essential.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £54,000 per annum depending on experience
About the role
We’re looking for a Performance & Efficiency Lead to help drive operational, environmental and financial improvements across the Wastewater directorate. You’ll be part of the team responsible for delivering the Operational CAPEX Programme, working closely with Operational, Engineering, Finance, Commercial and Assurance teams to enhance performance, strengthen governance, and ensure compliant investment decisions.
What you will be responsible for:
You will analyse performance data, lead governance for investment approvals, support forecasting and reporting processes, and translate complex insights into clear, actionable recommendations that drive efficiency and compliance. You’ll leverage your analytical and investigative skills to transform Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), root-cause analyses, and trend data into actionable insights—proactively identifying emerging issues and escalating potential risks.
Reporting to the Operational CAPEX Programme Manager, you will support operational and project teams through monthly forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting, providing accurate and timely inputs into performance reviews and forward-looking financial forecasts.
Key responsibilities
1. Capturing, analysing and interpreting data to identify trends, risks and efficiency opportunities across programmes of work.
2. Owning and leading the governance framework for reactive investment approvals, ensuring clarity, consistency and compliance.
3. Delivering regular performance reports for the Wastewater Leadership Team, highlighting risks, insights and mitigation plans.
4. Facilitating engagement across operational teams through meetings, workshops, site visits and performance updates.
5. Supporting monthly forecasting, variance analysis and performance reporting for operational and project teams.
6. Partnering with programme sponsors and risk specialists to shape each stage of the Operational CAPEX Programme.
7. Challenging and supporting decision‑makers across Operations, Engineering, Finance, Commercial and Assurance.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential:
8. Strong understanding of governance processes, policy interpretation and compliance frameworks.
9. Experience in reactive maintenance governance, rapid approvals and ensuring audit‑ready documentation.
10. Excellent numerical and analytical skills, with proficiency in MS Excel and data visualisation.
11. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
12. Experience conducting root‑cause analysis and transforming data into actionable insights.
Desirable:
13. Knowledge of wastewater assets and operational processes.
14. Field, operational or technical experience within utilities or engineering.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time ofsignificant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team witha clear visionfor the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence
major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart.Don’thesitate—take the leap and apply!”
If this roleisn’tquite whatyou’relooking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself(myworkdaysite.com-Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age,
disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable
adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
#LI-Hybrid