Closing Date
2026-05-07
Job Title: Project Manager – Major Projects
Location: Hampshire Area - Travel to various sites required
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 £5bn. 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 the Andover Link Main (ALM), a major cross-country potable water pipeline running from near Winchester to Andover. It will require crossing multiple roads and rivers using a range of pipe-laying techniques, alongside extensive stakeholder and landowner engagement as the route passes through or beneath their land.
The project is expected to span approximately three years, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. The estimated order of value is between £50m and £75m.
Job Overview
We’re recruiting a Project Manager, responsible for delivering a specific package of work within a wider project workstream, reporting into a Senior Project Manager.
You’ll lead on day to day contract management, scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement to meet critical project milestones. Success will require navigating complex challenges, driving innovation beyond business-as-usual approaches, and collaborating with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. The role will require travel to the ALM project (located between Winchester and Andover), our Southern Water Office at Falmer, as well as remote working.
Responsibilities will include:
1. Leading the day to day management of Andover Link Main through our Tier 1 delivery partner and NEC4 contract
2. Supporting the development of commercial models and procurement strategy
3. Coordinating cross-functional teams including engineering, finance, procurement and legal
4. Managing stakeholder relationships across internal teams, suppliers, regulators and other industry bodies
5. Ensuring the 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 working within 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). Experience of managing construction works through NEC forms of contract, 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 gained full membership of the Association for Project Managers or similar. Or is actively working towards membership of a professional body. The role also requires someone who is proactive, organised, and able to manage ambiguity, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders. Experience using P6 (Primavera) planning tools would be an advantage.
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
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."
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.
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