SEMD Programme Manager in Langstone

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future. Portsmouth Water is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to support the planning and delivery of a portfolio of critical workstreams within its Security and Emergency Measures Direction ‘path to green’ compliance programme. Co-ordinating with internal and external resources you will take responsibility for the programme management of all DWI SEMD requirements including Notices, Undertakings and interim milestones to ensure they meet expectations and are delivered to agreed deadlines. The role will focus on strengthening the security, resilience and operational continuity of water assets through safe, robust and commercially effective delivery of critical workstreams and capital investment. Working closely with internal teams, contractors and key stakeholders, the Programme Manager will lead projects from early development through to conclusion. The successful candidate will help ensure projects are delivered in line with regulatory expectations, health and safety requirements, environmental commitments, customer outcomes and Portsmouth Water’s objectives.

What will you be doing?

• Managing a defined portfolio of SEMD-related projects and work packages across Portsmouth Water’s operational area.
• Developing project briefs, coordinating early contractor involvement where required, and leading the planning, design, construction, commissioning and handover phases in accordance with agreed governance, assurance and delivery processes.
• Lead the delivery of security, resilience and critical infrastructure projects from concept through to completion.
• Develop clear project scopes, briefs, business cases, delivery plans and supporting documentation for governance and funding approvals.
• Manage project performance against agreed time, cost, quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams, engineering, commercial, environmental, construction and assurance colleagues.
• Manage relationships with delivery partners, consultants, contractors and other third-party organisations.
• Provide effective project reporting, risk management, issue resolution and stakeholder communication.
• Promote a proactive health, safety, wellbeing and environmental culture across all projects and delivery partners.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, efficiency and value for money across the programme.

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Essential

• Educated to HNC, degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate significant relevant experience in project management, engineering, construction, operations or infrastructure delivery.
• Experience delivering capital projects, ideally within the water, utilities, infrastructure, security, resilience or regulated asset environments.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness, with the ability to manage suppliers, contractors, and delivery partners effectively.
• Good understanding of project governance, risk management, programme controls and assurance processes.
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to build trusted relationships across operational, technical, commercial and senior leadership teams.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to support a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Committed to high standards of health, safety, wellbeing, environmental performance and customer service.
• Ability to obtain a UK National Security Vetting standard of Security Check (SC).
• The successful applicant will be required to have a full UK manual car driving licence (Class B), will have to undergo a driving assessment, consent to ongoing driving licence checks and additionally any other safety measures deemed necessary by Portsmouth Water Ltd in connection with driving.

Desirable

• Knowledge of water industry operations, design, commissioning, construction assurance or asset delivery.
• Experience of SEMD, security-led projects or critical national infrastructure.

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
• We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
• As part of our competitive benefits package, you’ll receive a yearly car allowance, helping you stay on the move with ease.
• You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
• Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
• All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
• Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
• Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
• We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance - provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan… and so much more!