Head of Asset Investment & Programme

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose\n
\nSouth West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes.\n
\nWe'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.\n
\nWhether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.\n
\nReady to make a splash? Join our team today.\n
\nWe are looking for an exceptional Head of Asset Investment & Programme to lead the strategic planning, governance and optimisation of our long-term asset investment portfolio.\n
\nThis is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for creating and maintaining a single, integrated view of investment across our water and wastewater assets. You'll be the custodian of our investment programme, ensuring that investment decisions are robust, evidence-based and aligned to regulatory commitments, customer outcomes and business strategy.\n
\nWorking at the heart of the organisation, you'll connect asset management, capital delivery, finance, operations and regulation, providing the insight, governance and decision-support that enables confident executive decision-making and successful AMP delivery.\n
What you'll be doing:\n
\nAs Head of Asset Investment & Programme, you will:\n

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• Lead the development and governance of our long-term asset investment programme.
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• Provide strategic oversight of investment planning across water and wastewater portfolios.
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• Own and maintain the regulatory baseline, including scope, costs, outcomes and delivery commitments.
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• Drive robust programme governance, change control and performance reporting.
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• Lead investment optimisation activities, ensuring the best balance of cost, risk, resilience, carbon and customer outcomes.
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• Develop executive-level reporting and insights that support Board and regulatory decision-making.
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• Build strong relationships across the business to align priorities, manage dependencies and deliver successful outcomes.
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• Lead and develop a high-performing team that becomes the trusted source of investment intelligence across the organisation.
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What we're looking for:\n
\nWe're seeking a strategic leader with significant experience managing complex investment programmes within a regulated environment.\n
\nYou'll bring:\n

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• Senior leadership experience in investment programme management, portfolio governance or regulatory contract management.
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• Experience within the water sector, utilities, infrastructure or another highly regulated industry.
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• A proven track record of managing programme baselines, performance reporting and change control processes.
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• Strong experience translating complex investment and programme data into clear, compelling narratives for executives and boards.
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• A deep understanding of investment prioritisation, whole-life cost analysis and programme optimisation.
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• Experience engaging with regulatory frameworks and external assurance processes.
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• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across a large, matrixed organisation.
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Essential Qualifications\n

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• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline.
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• Chartered status, or working towards professional accreditation, with a recognised institution such as ICE, CIWEM, RICS, BCS or equivalent.
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• Knowledge of asset health modelling, risk management and resilience planning.
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Desirable Qualifications\n

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• Knowledge of asset management frameworks such as ISO 55000.
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• Experience with information management standards such as ISO 19650.
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• Understanding of the UK water regulatory environment, including Ofwat, the Environment Agency and DWI.
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Why Join Us?\n
\nThis is an opportunity to influence investment decisions that will shape the future of critical infrastructure for years to come.\n

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• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
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• Bonus
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• Private Healthcare
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• Company car or cash for car allowance
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• Competitive contributory pension
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• Share-save scheme
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• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
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• Group discounts
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• Cycle to Work scheme
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• Financial support services
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• Development and training opportunities
  \n ... and much more!
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Closing Date: 14th Aug 2026\n
\nWe may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.\n
\n Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.\n
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.\n
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:\n
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.\n
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.\n
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.\n
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