Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Water Resources Planner to lead the strategic planning and management of water resources for SES Water. This pivotal leadership role is responsible for ensuring long‑term water supply resilience, regulatory compliance, and delivery of key programmes including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), regional planning through WRSE, 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
- Lead development and ongoing delivery of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)
- Own and deliver long‑term water resource strategy aligned with regulatory requirements
- Conduct annual reviews of water resource position and identify emerging risks
- Develop future supply 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
- Manage budgets and resource allocation effectively
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 SES Water in regional planning forums (e.g. WRSE)
Risk & Resilience
- Identify risks including drought, environmental impact, and infrastructure challenges
- Develop mitigation strategies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply
About You
Essential Experience
- 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
Key Skills & Behaviours
- 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
Qualifications
- Degree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related discipline (required)
- Professional membership (e.g. CIWEM) desirable
What Success Looks Like
- 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
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
