Organisational Development Manager (12 Month Fixed Term Contract) in Tonbridge

The Organisational Development Manager is the primary architect of culture and capability during a period of transformation for South East Water. In a water industry facing evolving regulatory landscapes, environmental challenges and digital shifts, the role will ensure that our 1,400‑strong workforce is resilient, skilled and aligned with our future vision.

Reporting & Leadership

Reporting directly to the Head of HR, the OD Manager will lead a dedicated team to design and execute strategies that improve organisational effectiveness and performance, managing a budget and the apprentice levy funds. The role focuses on leading the "business of tomorrow", ensuring our people are skilled, competent, motivated and engaged to deliver life‑essential services through significant periods of change.

Main responsibilities

• Performance Management – develop plans to drive a high‑performance culture, support the performance management roadmap and embed performance frameworks that move beyond compliance to continuous improvement and behavioural excellence.
• Supporting the wider business – support wider HR initiatives to identify future talent gaps and design intervention strategies, including succession planning and risk reduction around business‑critical roles.
• Compliance & Mandatory Training Oversight – lead the team responsible for the design, delivery and tracking of all mandatory and regulatory training, ensuring 100% compliance across high‑risk technical areas.
• Emerging Talent Strategy – lead the team in the design and delivery of a comprehensive emerging talent ecosystem, including apprenticeships and graduate programmes, to build a sustainable pipeline of future leaders and technical experts.
• Team Leadership – direct and mentor a team, fostering a high‑performance culture within OD and the wider HR function.
• Culture & Engagement – lead the design of employee engagement initiatives and deliver results to senior stakeholders, partnering with business areas to create meaningful action plans.
• Leadership Development – create and oversee bespoke leadership programmes that equip managers at all levels to lead through change, ambiguity and technical evolution.

You'll need

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
• Strategic Thinking – ability to see the big picture and translate corporate strategy into actionable people plans.
• Diagnostic Prowess – skilled in using OD diagnostic tools and methodologies to identify organisational pain points.
• Communication – exceptional verbal and written skills, with the ability to simplify complex change concepts for a diverse workforce.
• Data Literacy – ability to interpret HR analytics and engagement metrics to measure the ROI of OD interventions.
• Resilience – high emotional intelligence and the grit required to stay focused and positive during periods of high pressure.
• Proven OD Impact – significant experience in a senior OD role, ideally within a regulated industry.
• Stakeholder Influence – demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels through data‑driven insights and persuasive communication.
• Project Management – experience delivering high‑impact projects on time and within budget in a fast‑paced environment.

Equal Opportunities

We recognise that diverse communities and inclusive workplaces generate stronger outcomes. South East Water is committed to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all through recruitment, employment and career progression.

Benefits package

Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10 % employer contribution. 5 weeks holiday plus.