At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking desalination projects to secure water supplies for the East of England.
- Company: Anglian Water, a leader in innovative water solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and health care.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure that matters to millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex infrastructure projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 63000 € per year.
Circa £60k, salary depending on skills and experience
Permanent Full time with the flexibility for Part-time, 37 hours a week
Location: Peterborough, Huntingdon, Lincoln or Norwich - Hybrid
Three Career‑Defining Project Manager Opportunities: Shape the Future of Water
We’re building something big - and we’re looking for exceptional Project Managers to help lead it. Anglian Water is developing a ground breaking desalination programme to secure water supplies for the East of England for generations to come. We’re looking for three Project Managers to help drive this programme forward:
- Norfolk Desalination – a First‑of‑a‑Kind Major Project
A once‑in‑a‑career opportunity to help shape a potentially nationally significant project from the very beginning. We’re looking for someone with major project experience, comfortable operating in early development: shaping strategy, programmes, budgets and governance. DCO experience is strongly desirable. This role is about influence, leadership and setting the foundations for delivery at scale. - Desalination Pilot Plant
This role is about making innovation real. We’re looking for a Project Manager with proven capital delivery experience, strong process knowledge and first‑class H&S credentials. You’ll be hands‑on, visible on site, and integral to safely delivering a complex pilot (~£15m) that will inform future large‑scale solutions. - Desalination Associated Infrastructure (Pipelines, Pumping & Storage)
This role focuses on the critical link between treatment and supply – the infrastructure that gets water into customers’ taps. We’re looking for pipeline development and delivery experience, with the confidence to lead complex interfaces across multiple projects.
What you’ll be doing:
- Provide strong H&S and CDM leadership, embedding a safe, inclusive delivery culture
- Own the project from early development onwards, controlling scope, programme, cost and risk
- Build and manage the integrated project programme, milestones and dependencies
- Lead budget and cost control, working closely with Commercial to manage forecasts, challenge variance and maintain affordability
- Drive risk, issue and opportunity management, ensuring proactive mitigation and clear escalation
- Manage complex interfaces across workstreams, partners and stakeholders
- Lead planning, consenting and regulatory activity, supporting submissions and key regulatory discussions
- Work with Procurement to develop procurement and contract strategies, managing consultants and contractors under NEC contracts
- Prepare and present governance and assurance updates, including sponsorship and performance forums
- Lead lessons learned and continuous improvement
We invest in our people - as a valued employee, you’ll be entitled to:
- Personal private health care
- Generous double match pension – contribute 7% and Anglian Water will contribute 14%, giving a total contribution of 21%
- 24-hour Virtual GP service for you and your household
- 26 days annual leave – rising with length of service and the ability to buy more
- Life assurance (up to 8 x salary)
- Personal accident cover (up to 5 x salary)
- Excellent family friendly policies, such as 26 weeks full pay for maternity / adoption leave, as well as 4 weeks paid paternity / partner leave.
- Opportunity for shared parental pay
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible benefits and working culture to support your wellbeing and lifestyle.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects, with accountability across the full project lifecycle
- Strong early‑stage development experience, shaping scope, strategy, programmes and budgets
- Confidence owning cost, programme, risk and opportunity management within clear governance frameworks
- Experience working under NEC contracts
- Strong CDM and health & safety leadership
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Ultimately, we’re looking for someone who is organised, resilient and comfortable with complexity and uncertainty - someone who wants to lead and take ownership, not just manage.
Inclusion at Anglian Water
Inclusion is for everyone. We recruit based on merit and passion, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong – regardless of background or personal circumstances.
This is your opportunity to work on some of the most innovative water projects in the UK and help secure supplies for millions of people.
Closing date: 7th June 2026
Project Manager – Desalination Programme in Norwich employer: Anglian Water Services
Anglian Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contributions and flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to inclusion and a culture that fosters innovation, employees have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that make a real impact on water supply for the East of England, all while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager – Desalination Programme in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their desalination programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to hear about your major project experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to something big.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager – Desalination Programme in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with complex infrastructure projects and any relevant DCO or NEC contract experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the desalination programme and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership experience, especially in health and safety and project management. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership and drive projects forward, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Services
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of your past projects, especially those related to infrastructure and water management. Be ready to discuss your role in shaping strategies, managing budgets, and leading teams. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in complex project environments. Discuss how you've influenced teams, managed stakeholders, and navigated challenges. This is crucial for a role that requires strong H&S and CDM leadership.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NEC Contracts
Since experience with NEC contracts is a must-have, brush up on your knowledge of these agreements. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed consultants and contractors under such frameworks in previous roles. This will demonstrate your readiness for the responsibilities of the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you’ve effectively managed risks and issues in your projects. Highlight your proactive approach to mitigation and how you’ve turned challenges into opportunities. This will resonate well with the interviewers who are looking for someone organised and resilient.
