At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major capital programmes that shape communities and enhance infrastructure.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture where your uniqueness is celebrated.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential services while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale capital programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 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.
Lead Programmes That Shape Communities. At Pennon Group, we're investing in the infrastructure that provides essential services to millions of customers every day. As we enter an exciting period of capital investment and transformation, we're looking for an experienced Programme Manager to lead the successful delivery of major capital programmes across our infrastructure portfolio. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a programme valued at approximately £50m per annum, leading complex projects from concept through to completion while influencing strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the business.
If you're a strong leader who thrives in complex, regulated environments and is passionate about delivering safe, sustainable and customer-focused outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Providing strategic leadership across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects, ensuring delivery is safe, efficient, commercially robust and aligned to business objectives.
- Working closely with internal teams, framework partners, contractors and senior stakeholders to drive successful programme outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the end-to-end delivery of a multi-million-pound capital programme.
- Driving programme performance across cost, schedule, risk, quality and scope.
- Managing and developing multidisciplinary project teams and delivery partners.
- Providing robust governance, assurance and reporting to senior leadership.
- Maintaining strong commercial oversight across NEC contracts and supplier performance.
- Building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, local authorities and supply chain partners.
- Championing a culture where everyone goes Home Safe.
What we're looking for:
We're keen to hear from experienced programme leaders who have successfully delivered large-scale capital programmes within infrastructure, utilities or other highly regulated sectors.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience managing major capital programmes and complex project portfolios.
- Strong leadership skills with experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners.
- Expertise in programme governance, controls, forecasting and risk management.
- Commercial acumen with strong NEC contract knowledge and experience.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement at executive level.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced delivery environment.
- A commitment to safety, continuous improvement and high performance.
Ideally, you'll also have:
- Experience working client-side or for an asset-owning organisation.
- Experience within water, utilities, infrastructure or another regulated sector.
- Knowledge of programme controls, cost forecasting, Primavera P6 or earned value management.
- A degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional accreditation such as APM, Chartered Engineer or equivalent.
Why Join Us?
This is your chance to play a key role in delivering critical infrastructure that supports customers, communities and the environment. You'll join an organisation with ambitious investment plans, where safety, sustainability and innovation sit at the heart of everything we do.
- 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!
Closing Date: 5th 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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Capital Programme Manager in Exeter 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital Programme Manager in Exeter
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Capital Programme Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Capital Programme Manager, 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 South West Water Careers 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 South West Water Careers 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 South West Water Careers
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with South West Water Careers, 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 South West Water Careers 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.
