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. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting 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.
About the Role
At South West Water, water is one of our most valuable resources. As a Water Resources Business Partner, you will play a key role in ensuring the efficient, sustainable, and resilient management of water resources across the Pennon Group.
This role supports operations across our Bristol, Bournemouth and SES Water areas, working closely with local operational teams to optimise water resource performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and support long-term resilience planning. As a result, the successful candidate can be based in Bristol, Bournemouth, or within the SES Water region, with flexibility to travel as required.
Acting as the link between Water Resources and Operations, you will lead the development of operational strategies that balance water availability, abstraction licence requirements, operational risk, environmental obligations, and cost efficiency. You will provide expert guidance, influence decision-making across the business, and work closely with internal teams, regulators, and external stakeholders to help secure reliable water supplies for our customers and communities.
What You'll Be Doing
-
Leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of water resources operational strategies.
-
Providing expert advice and guidance on water resource management, abstraction licences, and operational risk.
-
Working with operational teams to ensure effective decision-making and efficient use of water resources.
-
Developing and implementing decision-support tools that improve operational performance.
-
Monitoring compliance with abstraction and impounding licences and providing performance reporting.
-
Building strong relationships with regulators, including the Environment Agency, and acting as a key business contact.
-
Identifying and mitigating risks that could impact water resource operations.
-
Supporting and training colleagues on operational procedures and water resource strategies.
-
Collaborating across multiple teams to ensure alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
What We're Looking ForEssential
-
Experience working within the water industry.
-
Strong understanding of water resources operations and management.
-
Experience developing and implementing operational or business strategies.
-
Ability to work effectively with regulators, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
-
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support business decisions.
-
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
-
High level of numeracy and attention to detail.
-
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Why Join South West Water?
At South West Water, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued.
Benefits Include
-
26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
-
Holiday buy & sell scheme
-
Company bonus scheme
-
Competitive pension scheme with company contribution matching
-
Life assurance
-
Group income protection
-
Enhanced family leave policies
-
Employee share schemes, including share matching opportunities
-
Health cash plan
-
Free annual flu vaccination
-
Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support
-
Cycle to work scheme
-
Car share scheme
-
Give as You Earn charitable giving scheme
-
Paid volunteering day
-
Access to thousands of retail discounts and offers
Closing Date: 29th October 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 everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Water Resources Business Partner in Bristol employer: South West Water Careers
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters learning and development in the stunning landscapes of the South West. As an Asset Information Technician, you'll enjoy generous benefits including a competitive pension, health support programmes, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to vital infrastructure services that make a real difference in our communities. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and encourages you to bring your authentic self to work every day.
