Closing Date
2026-04-05
Job Title: Head of Delivery (Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Programme)
Location: Hybrid working between our office in either Worthing or Falmer, and home. Travel to stakeholder meetings in London will be required on occasion.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience + £500 monthly car allowance, bonus up to 20% and PMI.
About the role
We’re looking for a brilliant senior leader to steer one of the UK water sector’s largest and most complex infrastructure programmes: the Hampshire Water Transfer & Water Recycling Programme. Playing a pivotal role in the Director’s Senior Leadership Team, you’ll lead the commercial delivery and programme direction of the Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) workstream, shaping the procurement, contracts, governance and market engagement that will bring this nationally significant scheme to life!
This is a high‑exposure role working with investors, legal advisers, regulators and delivery partners. You’ll keep momentum with our regulators, simplify complex issues for decision‑makers, and build a high‑performing team and culture that delivers safely, on time and to budget.
What you’ll be responsible for:
1. Leading delivery of the DPC activities to the highest commercial, regulatory and governance standards.
2. Managing the full DPC procurement pathway to appoint a competitively appointed provider (>£1bn capex), including development and negotiation of key contractual documentation.
3. Representing Southern Water in commercial, financial and regulatory discussions with investors, legal advisers, consultants and Ofwat.
4. Ensuring robust programme governance, forecasting, reporting and risk management to support executive and regulatory decision‑making.
5. Maintaining delivery momentum with high‑quality submissions and evidence.
6. Leading, coaching and aligning a core programme team and contracted delivery partners to clear priorities and outcomes.
7. Deputising for the Director during DCO inquiry periods, investor engagements and key milestones.
8. Simplifying complex commercial/regulatory issues to enable timely, well‑founded decisions across Southern Water and partner organisations.
Please note that all our Senior Leaders are required to take part in a standby rota, typically 1 week in 8. More details can be provided at interview.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
9. Extensive experience in commercial and contractual leadership within major projects; DPC/PPP/PFI experience strongly preferred.
10. Proven senior‑level negotiation with investors, financial institutions, regulators and legal teams.
11. Strong grasp of infrastructure delivery, programme governance and complex stakeholder landscapes; ability to turn complexity into clear action.
12. Experience operating in regulated environments (ideally Ofwat or similar).
13. Exceptional communication and influencing skills with executive credibility; high financial acumen.
14. Resilience and adaptability to lead through scrutiny, transition and ambiguity.
Desirable
15. Direct experience of the DCO process and market engagement rounds with investors.
16. Background working with multidisciplinary legal, commercial and technical advisors on large capital programmes.
About Southern Water
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.
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
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.