Natural Resources Policy & Reporting Advisor in Exeter

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?

As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Role Purpose

The Natural Resources Policy & Reporting Advisor leads the development, integration and assurance of natural resources policy, performance reporting and environmental governance across Pennon Group companies.

The role ensures alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental commitments and biodiversity outcomes while supporting investment decisions that maximise environmental, social and financial value.

Working across multiple programmes and stakeholders, the post holder will provide strategic environmental advice, oversee KPI and reporting frameworks, coordinate assurance activities and help embed natural capital thinking into business decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy & Strategy
• Provide strategic advice to ensure natural resources management and project delivery align with Pennon's Biodiversity Strategy, Net Zero ambitions and wider environmental commitments.
• Monitor and interpret emerging environmental legislation, regulatory requirements and industry reforms, advising on impacts and opportunities.
• Develop and implement policy frameworks covering biodiversity, natural capital, carbon and nature-based solutions.
• Ensure consistency of environmental policy across programmes including:
• Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP)
• Upstream Thinking
• South West Peatland Partnership
• Conservation, Access and Recreation initiatives
• Performance Reporting & Assurance
• Lead environmental performance reporting across the Natural Resources function.
• Own reporting processes for Biodiversity Performance Commitments, Natural Capital programmes and regulatory performance measures.
• Develop and maintain KPI frameworks, ensuring robust baselines, metrics and reporting methodologies.
• Prepare and coordinate annual environmental, sustainability and ESG disclosures.
• Ensure reporting outputs are accurate, transparent and compliant with internal and external requirements.
• Lead environmental audit and assurance processes, driving continuous improvement and data integrity.
• Data & Decision Support
• Oversee the development and enhancement of reporting systems, tools and platforms, including GIS and the Pennon Common Values Framework.
• Ensure environmental data is robust, auditable and supports effective decision‑making.
• Support natural capital accounting, biodiversity metrics and carbon reporting activities.
• Provide environmental insight and analysis to support investment planning, option appraisal and business case development.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues across operational, environmental, regulatory and corporate functions to embed natural capital principles throughout the organisation.
• Build productive relationships with regulators, auditors, consultants and external partners.
• Promote best practice in environmental reporting, assurance and performance management.
• Support governance, risk management and compliance activities relating to environmental performance and policy obligations.
• Continuous Improvement
• Lead or contribute to strategic projects, innovation initiatives and organisational improvement programmes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance environmental performance measurement, reporting and value creation.
• Ensure reporting frameworks remain aligned with evolving regulatory and business requirements.

Essential

• Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Strong understanding of environmental policy, biodiversity, natural capital and Net Zero frameworks.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental reporting, regulatory submissions and performance frameworks.
• Knowledge of ESG reporting requirements and environmental assurance processes.
• Experience of working within a regulated environment.
• Understanding of natural capital accounting, biodiversity metrics and carbon reporting methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into meaningful KPIs and performance measures.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience using data management and analytical tools, including GIS and environmental datasets.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and assurance.

Desirable

• Experience supporting investment planning, economic appraisal or option assessment processes.
• Knowledge of Ofwat Performance Commitments and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with environmental value frameworks and social value assessment approaches.
• Experience working within the water or wider utilities sector.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

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 will 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.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are

• 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 a company you can be proud of.

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