Head of Capital Delivery - Water

Severn Trent is the water utility provider across the heart of the UK, providing essential services to over 4.6 million households and businesses in a region stretching from the Bristol Channel to the Humber, and from Shropshire to the East Midlands. Our recent business plan (PR24) outlines an ambitious £12.9bn investment programme for our customers and the environment over the next five years, with over £6bn to be delivered through our capital programme.

The Head of Capital Delivery for Water leads all water capital projects across the Severn Trent region, with full life-cycle accountability for a c£2bn programme and leadership of around 150 STW employees and our wider delivery supply chain. The role reports directly into our Executive Committee and will be accountable for the safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective delivery of the Water capital programme.

This role holds overall strategic responsibility and accountability for the delivery of all Water capital schemes, ensuring they are delivered safely, sustainably and efficiently. You’ll lead a mixed function of Severn Trent employees (c150) and our delivery supply chain, focusing on strategic planning, continuous improvement and evolving the delivery function to meet future challenges.

You’ll ensure efficiency and effectiveness by meeting all key metrics, developing a customer-centric delivery culture, and fulfilling the commitments in our business plan while also seeking new opportunities for future success. You’ll work closely with fellow strategic leaders in Design, Delivery, Capital Commercial, and Operations, as well as the Senior Management Team, Executive Committee and our Capital Supply Chain.

Together you will promote a customer-first delivery culture and ensure we deliver excellent outcomes for customers, regulators and stakeholders. Effective communication of plans, progress and developments to all stakeholders is essential, with a focus on understanding operational challenges to drive sustainable improvements.

This is a critical leadership role where you will influence senior peers across the business and supply chain. You’ll oversee a c£2bn portfolio of projects over five years, ensuring safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective delivery. You’ll also develop a rolling two-year programme enabling our supply chain to meet capital efficiency targets, maintain strong supplier relationships, foster innovation, drive safety improvements, manage engineering risks and develop the next generation of engineers.

We’re looking for a leader who brings collaborative working together with a proven track record of operating in a regulated industry leading a multi-disciplinary team delivering a similarly sized capital portfolio – either in-house or with a major contractor. Water industry experience is beneficial, but strong backgrounds in asset-intensive industries such as rail, highways, nuclear, utilities or telecoms are equally valuable.

It’s likely you will be a Chartered Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, ICA, Telecommunications, Environmental Engineer or similar. You’ll be skilled at drawing on your team’s specialist knowledge, putting in place the processes and structures needed to enable a step change in performance. Excellent communication and influencing skills are essential, alongside experience of building strong relationships with a diverse range of internal colleagues and an extensive supply chain.

You’ll be comfortable using internal and external networks to overcome challenges, innovate and influence change. The role is based in our Coventry head office, where you’ll spend the majority of your time supporting your team and working with the Executive and SMT. As a senior leader, you may be required to attend the office at short notice or outside normal hours to support key operational events. Reasonable proximity to our office is therefore important, and we can offer relocation support to move to the Midlands if needed.

We employ thousands of people who love what they do and offer a fantastic benefits package. On top of a great six-figure salary, you’ll enjoy up to 30% bonus, £6,900 car allowance, 31 days holiday (plus bank holidays), a fantastic pension scheme where we’ll double your contribution (up to 15%) and loads of other benefits. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the community by providing valuable work experience opportunities. You’ll work in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.

We can’t wait to hear from you. Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare.