At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and management of water resources for South West Water.
- Company: Join a leading water utility focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong partnerships and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water resources and ensure long-term supply resilience.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 68231 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Water Resources Planner to lead the strategic planning and management of water resources for South West Water based in either Exeter or Bristol. This is a pivotal role ensuring long-term water supply resilience, regulatory compliance, and delivery of key programmes including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), regional planning through WCWE, and drought planning.
You will provide technical expertise, strategic direction, and stakeholder leadership—working across the business and with external partners to shape sustainable water resource solutions for the future.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Support the development and ongoing delivery of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)
- Develop and monitor delivery of long-term water resource strategy aligned with regulatory requirements
- Conduct annual reviews of water resource position and identify emerging risks
- Develop future supply options, strategies and investment plans
- Technical & Analytical Oversight
- Oversee modelling, data analysis, and forecasting of water availability and demand
- Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and prioritise initiatives
- Ensure modelling capability meets current and future regulatory planning needs
- Guide consultants supporting strategic planning delivery
- Programme & Delivery Management
- Oversee WRMP improvement commitments and report progress to senior leadership
- Support delivery of Drought Plans and environmental programmes (e.g. WINEP)
- Develop business cases and support investment planning processes
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators (Environment Agency, Ofwat, Natural England)
- Collaborate with regional groups, local authorities, and industry partners
- Represent South West Water in regional planning forums with WCW
- Risk & Resilience
- Identify risks including drought, environmental impact, and infrastructure challenges
- Develop mitigation strategies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply
- Strong background in water resources management, environmental planning, or similar
- Proven experience delivering strategic planning programmes
- Experience working within a regulated environment (ideally water industry)
- Demonstrated leadership or management experience
- Strong project and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects
- High attention to detail and organisational skills
- Collaborative approach with the ability to influence at senior levels
- Degree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related discipline (required)
- Professional membership (e.g. CIWEM) desirable
- Delivery of a robust, compliant and forward-looking WRMP
- Strong partnership with regulators and regional stakeholders
- Clear, data-driven investment decisions supporting long-term resilience
- A high-performing, collaborative water resources planning function
Closing Date: 1st July 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Senior Water Resources Planner South West Water · Engineering, Technical and Scientific · Exete[...] in Bristol employer: AquaCare, Company
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Exeter or Bristol where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. We prioritise employee growth through continuous professional development opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. Join us to make a meaningful impact on water resource management while enjoying a supportive workplace that champions resilience and compliance.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Water Resources Planner South West Water · Engineering, Technical and Scientific · Exete[...] in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
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