Role Overview
The Water Services Audit and Assurance role is responsible for delivering a risk-based audit programme to ensure South West Water (SWW) meets regulatory, operational, and governance standards.
This role plays a critical part in embedding a “Quality First” culture, supporting compliance, continuous improvement, and providing assurance to senior leadership and the Executive Board.
Purpose of the Role
- Deliver high-quality outcomes for customers, stakeholders, and the environment
- Lead a risk-based first-line assurance and audit programme
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls
- Drive continuous improvement through corrective action planning
- Support second-line assurance activities led by Group Risk & Compliance
Key Responsibilities
Audit & Assurance
- Design and implement a 1st line risk-based assurance framework
- Develop and manage the annual internal audit programme aligned to SWW priorities
- Conduct audits and produce high-quality reports with actionable insights
- Ensure audit outputs support reporting into SWW Operational Leadership Team (OLT)
Risk & Compliance
- Maintain alignment with key regulatory obligations and compliance frameworks
- Act as a subject matter expert for Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Support 2nd and 3rd line assurance activities, including external audits
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across SWW and Group functions
- Influence and challenge stakeholders to ensure effective control environments
- Present findings and insights to leadership teams clearly and confidently
Performance & Reporting
- Deliver monthly assurance reports for SWW OLT
- Track and manage corrective actions through to resolution
- Ensure timely escalation of risks and issues
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve assurance processes and risk management
- Lead or contribute to transformation and improvement initiatives
Key Deliverables
- Annual audit and assurance plan
- Audit reports with agreed corrective actions
- Monthly reporting for leadership governance forums
- Effective tracking and closure of audit findings
- QMS compliance oversight and reporting
- Contributions to transformation and improvement initiatives
Skills & Experience Required
Essential Experience
- Experience in audit, assurance, or risk management
- Understanding of water industry operations or regulated utilities
- Strong stakeholder management, including senior leadership
- Ability to produce and present clear, high-quality reports
Core Skills
- Analytical and risk assessment capability
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail with high integrity
- Ability to manage multiple priorities to deadlines
Qualifications
- Required:
- A-levels (or equivalent)
- Desirable:
- Degree (or equivalent)
- Professional audit or risk qualification
Closing Date: 4th Aug 2026
Successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Audit and Assurance (SWW Focus) in Exeter employer: South West Water Limited
South West Water Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique apprenticeship opportunity that combines earning with learning in the beautiful regions of Cornwall and Devon. With a strong focus on employee growth, apprentices will gain invaluable hands-on experience in automation and controls engineering, while benefiting from a supportive work culture that prioritises career progression and skill development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and sustainability in the water industry.
