Closing Date
2026-05-22
Job Title: Programme Business Readiness Lead
Location: Worthing, West Sussex (Hybrid, 2-3 days p/w)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: up to £65,000 (depending on skills and experience)
There has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. As we move through AMP8, we are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long‑term affordability for customers.
About the role
Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in our history - the Alternative Metering Service Programme. Between 2025 and 2030, we will replace over one million water meters, introducing cutting-edge technology to revolutionise how we operate, engage with customers and protect our environment. As our Programme Business Readiness Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in preparing our business for this change.
This is your opportunity to lead change that matters - reducing water consumption, cutting leakage and enhancing customer journeys, all while supporting our environmental and carbon reduction goals.
What you will be responsible for
1. You will be accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery of a defined workstream within the Alternative / Smart Metering Service Programme, ensuring scope, milestones, dependencies, risks and deliverables are clearly defined and effectively managed.
2. Translate programme objectives and business priorities into practical, deliverable plans that can be executed by operational teams, technology teams and third‑party partners.
3. Act as the primary delivery interface between the Programme, operational business areas and third‑party partners for the assigned workstream.
4. Scope, plan, and schedule delivery activities for current and future phases of the Programme, managing interdependencies with other workstreams.
5. Lead implementation planning and coordination, ensuring delivered products, processes, and capabilities are fully operational before handover.
What you’ll bring to the role
6. 5+ years of experience driving and delivering complex business change initiatives.
7. Strong Business Change/Project Management experience, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes (right every time).
8. Experience working in Water/Energy Smart Metering projects/programmes is desirable.
9. High drive and attention to detail.
10. Experience of managing a Business Change workstream plan and the associated risks.
11. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, evolving priorities and handle multiple activities simultaneously.
12. Excellent stakeholder management skills to build support operational changes arising from the Programme.
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 of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
"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."
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking 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.
Additional information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
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