Programme Planning Manager in Brighton

Location: ideally within our region with one day a week in either Falmer or Durrington (Sussex)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37, Monday to Friday

Salary: circa £75,000 + car allowance

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

As Programme Planning Manager you will lead the development and delivery of one of the strategically important wastewater programmes. This role is accountable for delivering regulatory and business outcomes, while creating and maintaining a robust Strategic Programme Execution Plan for wastewater treatment assets. This is a highly influential role requiring strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and leadership. You will bring together complex data, diverse stakeholder perspectives, and technical expertise to make informed decisions across organisational boundaries. Working closely with senior leaders, technical specialists, and delivery partners, you will help shape investment decisions and ensure successful programme delivery.

What you will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and mobilisation of strategic programmes that deliver measurable outcomes and benefits aligned to Southern Water's Strategy and Business Plan.
• Owning programme development and submissions for regulatory price reviews, working with internal and external experts to build compelling, evidence-based investment cases.
• Managing programme budgets and investment portfolios, ensuring whole-life cost considerations are embedded and that programmes are delivered as efficiently as possible.
• Driving optimisation of programme scope and delivery plans to meet business needs, while assuring performance against regulatory commitments and Strategic Programme Execution Plans.
• Leading and developing a team of technical specialists responsible for identifying needs, prioritising investment, and developing high‑quality, credible solutions that support delivery objectives.
• Building trusted relationships across the business and with external stakeholders, influencing decisions and driving collaboration to achieve programme outcomes.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• An understanding of and experience in managing programmes through the entire project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Excellent technical knowledge and a broad experience in the water sector (or other similar utilities).
• The role holder will be familiar with operations, regulation and capital delivery with a proven track record of using this experience to effectively develop and deliver complex plans.
• The individual must have proven communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to influence and persuade strategic decisions at a senior level (including board level).
• The role holder will be highly numerate with a well‑developed understanding of business case development, commercial arrangements, and the benefits framework.

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 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 pre-employment 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.