Project Manager in Brighton

Location: Falmer, with travel to various locations

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary: to be discussed at the screening stage

About The Role

Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK water industry. Our newly established Major Projects Directorate is leading the delivery of several Strategic Resource Option (SRO) projects, with a combined value exceeding £5bn. These nationally significant, large‑scale infrastructure projects are critical to securing and future‑proofing water supply across the region. The project you will be involved in is a major cross‑country potable water pipeline running from near Winchester to Andover. It will require crossing multiple roads and rivers using a range of pipe‑laying techniques, alongside extensive stakeholder and landowner engagement as the route passes through or beneath their land. The project is expected to span approximately three years, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. The estimated order of value is between £50m and £75m.

Job Overview

We’re recruiting for several roles, each responsible for delivering a specific package of work within a wider project workstream, reporting into a Senior Project Manager. These roles will support major infrastructure programmes including our Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) initiative – a pioneering model using third‑party finance to fund future assets – and our Development Consent Order (DCO) workstream, which enables the delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). You’ll lead on scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement to meet critical project milestones. Success will require navigating complex challenges, driving innovation beyond business‑as‑usual approaches, and collaborating with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of your workstream package through planning, risk management, and governance
• Supporting the development of commercial models and procurement strategy (including £1bn+ tender design)
• Coordinating cross‑functional teams including engineering, finance, procurement and legal
• Managing stakeholder relationships across internal teams, suppliers, regulators and other industry bodies
• Ensuring the delivery of high‑quality project information, performance reporting and financial forecasting

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate will bring strong project management experience, ideally gained within engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects. They will demonstrate the ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments, managing multiple workstreams and shifting priorities with confidence. Experience working within regulated settings or large, multi‑stakeholder organisations is essential, along with commercial awareness and an understanding of third‑party finance models such as PFI or PPP (desirable but not essential). Understanding of engineering contracts would be beneficial, supported by excellent problem‑solving skills, high attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication. Candidates should be degree‑qualified in a relevant discipline such as Science, Engineering, or Project/Programme Management, and have gained full membership of the Association for Project Managers or similar. Or be actively working towards membership of a professional body. The role also requires someone who is proactive, organised, and able to manage ambiguity, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders. Experience using P6 (Primavera) planning tools would be an advantage.

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.

Inclusive & Empowering

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

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.