At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking desalination projects to secure water supplies for the East of England.
- Company: Join Anglian Water, a leader in innovative water solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on personal growth and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure that benefits millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex infrastructure projects and strong leadership skills required.
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.
Three roles. One programme. Real impact.
If you want to work on infrastructure that genuinely matters, this is it.
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
- 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× salary)
- Personal accident cover (up to 5× 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.
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
Lead Project Manager: Desalination Programme in Peterborough employer: Anglian Water Services
Anglian Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of water supply in the East of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a double match pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, Anglian Water fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal growth and development. Join us in making a real impact on infrastructure that matters, while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Project Manager: Desalination Programme in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples from your past projects to demonstrate your skills in managing complex infrastructure and leading teams.
✨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 the team and contributing to something as impactful as the desalination programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Project Manager: Desalination Programme in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Project Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing complex infrastructure projects and any specific achievements that align with the desalination programme.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and projects in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to influence, manage stakeholders, and drive projects forward, especially in early development stages.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make your skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Services
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into your past projects, especially those related to infrastructure and desalination. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed budgets, and your approach to stakeholder communication. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Project Manager, showcasing your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've influenced teams, driven safety culture, and managed cross-functional interfaces. Highlighting your ability to lead under pressure will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NEC Contracts
Since experience with NEC contracts is a must, brush up on your knowledge of these agreements. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated contract management in previous roles, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about potential risks in a desalination project and how you would mitigate them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
