Senior water resources planner

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
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 Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore 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.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Water Resources Planner to lead the strategic planning and management of water resources for South West Water based in either Exeter or Bristol.
This is a pivotal role ensuring long-term water supply resilience, regulatory compliance, and delivery of key programmes including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), regional planning through WCWE, and drought planning.
You will provide technical expertise, strategic direction, and stakeholder leadership-working across the business and with external partners to shape sustainable water resource solutions for the future.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Planning

• Support the development and ongoing delivery of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)
• Develop and monitor delivery of long-term water resource strategy aligned with regulatory requirements
• Conduct annual reviews of water resource position and identify emerging risks
• Develop future supply options, strategies and investment plans

Technical & Analytical Oversight

• Oversee modelling, data analysis, and forecasting of water availability and demand
• Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and prioritise initiatives
• Ensure modelling capability meets current and future regulatory planning needs
• Guide consultants supporting strategic planning delivery

Programme & Delivery Management

• Oversee WRMP improvement commitments and report progress to senior leadership
• Support delivery of Drought Plans and environmental programmes (e.g. WINEP)
• Develop business cases and support investment planning processes

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators (Environment Agency, Ofwat, Natural England)
• Collaborate with regional groups, local authorities, and industry partners
• Represent South West Water in regional planning forums with WCWE

Risk & Resilience

• Identify risks including drought, environmental impact, and infrastructure challenges
• Develop mitigation strategies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply

About YouEssential Experience

• Strong background in water resources management, environmental planning, or similar
• Proven experience delivering strategic planning programmes
• Experience working within a regulated environment (ideally water industry)
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills

Key Skills & Behaviours

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects
• High attention to detail and organisational skills
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence at senior levels

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related discipline (required)
• Professional membership (e.g. CIWEM) desirable

What Success Looks Like

• Delivery of a robust, compliant and forward-looking WRMP
• Strong partnership with regulators and regional stakeholders
• Clear, data-driven investment decisions supporting long-term resilience
• A high-performing, collaborative water resources planning function

Closing Date: 1st July 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 will 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.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. xsngvjr Own the challenge.