At a Glance
- Tasks: Support delivery of engineering projects and coordinate teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, health benefits, training opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on vital water services.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or water industry, strong organisational skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
Are you an organised and proactive individual looking to build your career in project management? We are seeking an Assistant Project Manager to join our busy engineering team, supporting the delivery of a high volume of planned and reactive projects across the construction and water sectors.
About the role
This is a field-based role requiring regular travel, working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. It offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of critical works—often to tight timescales—while developing your skills across a broad range of technical disciplines and real-world project challenges.
If you are detail-oriented, eager to learn, and enjoy problem-solving in a dynamic environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the delivery of multiple fast-turnaround engineering projects
- Assisting with coordination of teams, contractors, and stakeholders to keep projects on track
- Helping to monitor project timelines, costs, and quality standards
- Supporting mobilisation of works, including temporary solutions where required
- Tracking progress and escalating potential issues to ensure timely resolution
- Assisting with reactive and emergency works, including occasional out-of-hours support
- Supporting cost tracking and ensuring projects remain aligned with budgets
- Helping to ensure smooth handover to operations and completion of project documentation
- Promoting and adhering to health & safety compliance across all activities
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Experience within the construction and/or water industry (including placements or entry-level roles)
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills with a proactive, can-do attitude
- Ability to support multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
- Basic understanding of health and safety requirements
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites
- Flexibility to support reactive or emergency work when required
Desirable
- Exposure to project coordination or project management activities
- Experience supporting budgets or cost tracking
- Relevant qualification (e.g. degree, HNC/HND, or working towards APM/Prince2)
- Technical Knowledge (one or more of the following): Mechanical or Electrical systems, Instrumentation, Control and Automation, Civil Engineering, Process or scientific systems, Clean or wastewater site operations
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus
- 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: 10th 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 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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Assistant Project Manager – Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works) employer: Pennon Group
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as an Assistant Project Manager in the engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to shape their careers while contributing to vital projects that enhance our beautiful region. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace that prioritises your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Project Manager – Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this role involves tackling real-world challenges, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated tricky situations. Be ready to share these during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the water sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Project Manager – Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Project Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in construction or water industries, and don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about project management and how your proactive attitude can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with creative solutions, especially in fast-paced environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to see all the details about the role and our company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, research South West Water and their recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to engineering and how they manage both planned and reactive works. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Project Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed time and resources. Highlight any tools or methods you used to keep everything on track, as this will demonstrate your proactive attitude.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in project management. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would coordinate with teams and stakeholders, and how you handle potential conflicts or issues that arise.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will showcase your problem-solving mindset and attention to detail, which are crucial for this position.
