At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing PMO function to deliver sustainable water solutions.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of the Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, healthcare benefits, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and celebrates uniqueness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment through innovative water management.
- Qualifications: Extensive project management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61408 - 70089 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of the Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
About The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our SRO Programme. Reporting to the Programme Director, you’ll lead a high‑performing PMO function that ensures our projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with strategic priorities and regulatory frameworks. You’ll inspire teams, champion innovation, and embed best‑in‑class project governance, helping us deliver sustainable water solutions for generations to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.
- Champion a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a key member of the SRO leadership team, deputising for the Programme Director when required.
- Lead and develop a centralised PMO function supporting a complex portfolio of strategic projects.
- Establish and embed project standards, frameworks, tools, and governance.
- Oversee portfolio performance, prioritisation, and resource planning.
- Manage risks, issues, and escalations to keep delivery on track.
- Drive organisational change aligned to Ofwat and RAPID frameworks.
- Evolve systems, processes, and ways of working in response to a dynamic regulatory landscape.
- Provide strategic insight and advice to senior leadership and the Board.
- Monitor programme performance through dashboards and executive reporting.
- Ensure alignment with regional water planning and delivery models.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Expertise- Extensive experience in project/programme management.
- People management experience.
- Proven track record delivering large, complex infrastructure programmes (ideally in water or regulated sector).
- Strong background in PMO leadership, governance and portfolio management.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic delivery.
- PMP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent (essential).
- Degree‑level education (Master’s desirable).
- Lean Six Sigma or similar (desirable).
- Strategic thinker with a focus on long‑term outcomes.
- Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
- Collaborative, resilient, and adaptable.
- Passion for driving change and delivering measurable results.
Why Join Us?
At South West Water, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Help deliver critical infrastructure that supports communities and the environment.
- Lead transformation in a forward‑thinking, purpose‑driven organisation.
- Work alongside passionate people who put customers and colleagues first.
- Shape innovative solutions to future water challenges.
What You’ll Get
Join us and help deliver a reliable, high‑quality service for our customers across the South West. As our PMO Manager, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills.
- Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role.
- Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance.
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future.
- Flexible Working Options – We value work‑life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible.
- Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs.
- Employee Discounts – On various products and services.
- Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re motivated by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to lead at scale, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help secure water for the future.
Closing Date: 29th June 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.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Core Values- Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted.
- Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You – Bring your best every day.
- Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive progress. Own the challenge.
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset. From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and making environmental strides to be a company you can be proud of.
PMO Manager in Bristol employer: Pennon Group Plc
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our flexible working options, competitive salary packages, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping sustainable water solutions while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Exeter or Bristol, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like PMO Manager at Pennon Group Plc!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Pennon Group Plc or be willing to refer you for that PMO Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Pennon Group Plc who’s on the lookout for their next PMO Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time PMO Manager role at Pennon Group Plc!
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Pennon Group Plc. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group Plc
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Pennon Group Plc. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!