Closing Date 05/01/2026
Job Title Project Manager – Major Projects
Location Falmer, with travel to various locations
Contract Type Full Time, Perm
Hours 37
Salary to be discussed at the screening stage
About The Role Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK water industry. Our newly established Major Projects Directorate is leading the delivery of several Strategic Resource Option (SRO) projects, with a combined value exceeding £5 bn. These nationally significant, large‑scale infrastructure projects are critical to securing and future‑proofing water supply across the region. The project you will be involved in is a major cross‑country potable water pipeline running from near Winchester to Andover, requiring multiple road and river crossings and extensive stakeholder and landowner engagement. The project is expected to span approximately three years, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026, and an estimated order of value between £50 m and £75 m.
Job Overview We’re recruiting for several roles, each responsible for delivering a specific package of work within a wider project workstream, reporting to a Senior Project Manager. These roles support major infrastructure programmes including Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) and the Development Consent Order (DCO) workstream, enabling delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). You’ll lead on scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement to meet critical project milestones, navigating complex challenges and collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities Will Include
* Leading the delivery of your workstream package through planning, risk management, and governance
* Supporting the development of commercial models and procurement strategy (including £1 bn+ tender design)
* Coordinating cross‑functional teams including engineering, finance, procurement and legal
* Managing stakeholder relationships across internal teams, suppliers, regulators and other industry bodies
* Ensuring delivery of high‑quality project information, performance reporting and financial forecasting
What You’ll Bring To The Role
The ideal candidate will bring strong project management experience, ideally gained within engineering, construction or infrastructure projects. They will demonstrate the ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments, managing multiple workstreams and shifting priorities with confidence. Experience in regulated settings or large, multi‑stakeholder organisations is essential, along with commercial awareness and an understanding of third‑party finance models such as PFI or PPP (desirable but not essential). Understanding of engineering contracts is beneficial, supported by excellent problem‑solving skills, high attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication. Candidates should be degree‑qualified in a relevant discipline such as Science, Engineering or Project/Programme Management, and have full membership of the Association for Project Managers or a similar professional body, or be actively working towards membership. Experience using P6 (Primavera) planning tools would be an advantage.
Inclusive & Empowering
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
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.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability and service excellence. With £7.8 bn 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.
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