At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead incident response and emergency preparedness strategies to protect essential services.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, private healthcare, and a competitive pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring community safety during emergencies.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and experience in incident management or business continuity.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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 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 improving water quality and wildlife in partnership with farmers and landowners.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition give you the chance to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash?
Join our team today.
We're looking for an experienced Incident Response Manager to lead our incident management, business continuity and emergency preparedness capability.
In this high‑profile role, you'll be responsible for ensuring the organisation is ready to respond effectively to operational incidents, emergencies and major events.
You'll provide strategic leadership, oversee a 24/7 incident response function, and help protect the delivery of essential services for our customers and communities.
If you thrive in fast‑paces environments, enjoy solving complex challenges, and can bring people together during critical situations, we'd love to hear from you.
- What You Will Be Doing
- Lead and develop our incident response and emergency preparedness strategy
- Manage the end‑to‑end incident response process for significant business‑impacting incidents
- Oversee a team of 24/7 Incident Controllers, ensuring effective incident coordination and escalation
- Develop, review and implement incident management, emergency planning and business continuity processes
- Lead post‑incident reviews, lessons learned programmes and continuous improvement initiatives
- Partner with operational teams to ensure emergency response arrangements, contingency plans and recovery capabilities remain effective and tested
- Support root cause analysis and problem resolution activities across the business
- Develop and deliver training and development programmes to strengthen organisational resilience
- Represent the organisation at external forums, including resilience and emergency planning groups
- Drive innovation and best practice in incident management, preparedness and organisational resilience
- What We’re Looking For
Self‑confident leadership skills, calm under pressure and the ability to inspire others during challenging situations.
- Mandatory
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent senior‑level experience
- Professional qualification in Incident Management, Emergency Planning or Business Continuity
- Experience leading teams and projects within a complex organisation
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience implementing processes and procedures across large or complex organisations
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and make sound decisions
- A strategic mindset with focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence
Desirable
- Chartered membership of a relevant professional body
- Experience working in a regulated environment
- Experience within the utilities, infrastructure or water sector
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements relating to emergency planning and resilience
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Bonus Plan
- Private Healthcare
- Company car or cash for car allowance
- Competitive contributory pension
- Share‑save scheme
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
- Group discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Financial support services
• Development and training opportunities … and much more!
Closing Date: 27th 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 mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way.
Together, we will build a culture of belonging, inclusion is instinctive.
Diversity is our strength and it reflects our communities.
We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
- Our Core Values
- Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You – We want you to bring your best everyday. 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 going bigger and further in our environmental work to be proud of.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Incident Response Manager in Exeter employer: Pennon Group Plc
At Pennon Group Plc, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of environmental management. Our Bristol location provides unique opportunities for professional growth, supported by flexible working options and comprehensive healthcare benefits, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to contribute to meaningful water resource projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Incident Response Manager in Exeter
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like Pennon Group Plc that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like Pennon Group Plc face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace Incident Response Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group Plc
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of Pennon Group Plc is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
