At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation initiatives to enhance asset reliability and performance across the Pennon Group.
- Company: Join a leading UK water company committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and competitive pension schemes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in asset management while shaping a greener future.
- Qualifications: Experience in reliability improvement and asset performance transformation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. At Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power, we're leading the way in water and renewables.
We're proud to be recognised as 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. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Lead the future of Asset reliability and performance. Pennon Group is embarking on an exciting journey to transform how we manage, maintain and optimise our assets across our businesses. We're looking for an exceptional leader to establish and lead our Reliability & Performance Transformation Capability, driving a portfolio of strategic initiatives that enhance asset reliability, operational performance and long-term value.
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of asset management across the Group, helping us move towards a more proactive, asset health-led approach to investment and decision-making while delivering tangible benefits for our customers, communities and the environment.
About the role: As Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation, you will lead a high-profile transformation portfolio that spans Engineering, Operations, Asset Management, Digital and Capital Delivery functions across Pennon Group. Reporting to the Director of Asset Reliability & Performance, you'll be responsible for establishing the governance, leadership and delivery framework needed to successfully implement a wide range of reliability and performance improvement initiatives.
You'll work closely with senior leaders and executive stakeholders to define priorities, drive investment decisions, realise measurable benefits and embed new ways of working that strengthen organisational capability for the future.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the Group-wide Reliability & Performance Transformation Portfolio.
- Develop and prioritise strategic and tactical initiatives aligned to business objectives.
- Shape and support the delivery of Pennon Group's Asset Management Strategy.
- Establish robust governance, reporting and decision-making frameworks.
- Drive programme delivery, ensuring initiatives are delivered safely, effectively and on schedule.
- Manage portfolio risks, dependencies and opportunities.
- Implement benefits realisation processes that demonstrate measurable value.
- Build strong relationships across Engineering, Operations, Asset Management, Digital and Capital Delivery teams.
- Lead engagement, communication and change management activity across the organisation.
- Champion best practice in reliability engineering, asset performance and continuous improvement.
- Influence senior and executive stakeholders to secure alignment and successful delivery.
- Continuously evolve the Reliability & Performance Transformation roadmap.
What we're looking for: We're seeking an experienced transformation leader who combines technical expertise with outstanding programme leadership and stakeholder management skills.
Essential experience:
- Significant experience delivering reliability improvement or asset performance transformation programmes within the water or wastewater sector.
- Proven experience managing complex transformation programmes from concept through to implementation and benefits realisation.
- Strong understanding of reliability engineering and asset management principles.
- Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional portfolios in complex organisations.
- A track record of influencing senior leaders and delivering organisational change.
- Experience delivering strategic data, systems and process improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Degree qualified in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Professional qualification in Reliability Engineering (ARP-L, CRL or equivalent).
- MSP, APM, PRINCE2 or similar programme management qualification would be advantageous.
Why join us? This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future performance and resilience of Pennon Group's asset base. You'll work alongside senior leaders, influence key strategic decisions and play a pivotal role in delivering best-in-class asset management capability across the organisation.
30 days annual leave + bank holidays, Bonus, 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!
Apply today and help shape the future of asset reliability and performance at Pennon Group.
Closing Date: 26th August 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.
Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation in Devon employer: Pennon Group
At Pennon Group, we offer a dynamic work environment where our In-House Legal Counsel can thrive while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture and opportunities for professional development, all set against the backdrop of our leadership in the UK water sector. Join us in driving purpose and innovation as we work towards a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation in Devon
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation role you’re after at Pennon Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Pennon Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Pennon Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation at Pennon Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Reliability & Performance Transformation, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Pennon Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Pennon Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Pennon Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Pennon Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
