Innovation Project Coordinator in Exeter

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.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and driven Innovation Project Coordinator to join our team at South West Water. In this exciting role, you’ll take the lead on Project PEDAL, a high-profile Ofwat‑funded innovation project focused on tackling harmful algal blooms through cutting‑edge technology and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of environmental innovation—combining data, technology and community insight to deliver solutions that protect water quality and ecosystems across the UK.

Alongside leading PEDAL, you’ll play a key role in supporting wider innovation initiatives, contributing ideas, and collaborating across teams to deliver impactful projects.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the PEDAL project, overseeing delivery from planning through to execution
• Manage project budgets, timelines and resources, ensuring objectives are achieved
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders to drive success
• Monitor and report on project progress, performance and risks, including updates to Ofwat
• Identify and manage risks and issues, ensuring the project stays on track
• Share insights and outcomes across the organisation and industry, including presenting at events and conferences

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for someone who combines strong project delivery skills with a passion for innovation and collaboration.

Essential experience & skills:

• Proven experience in project management
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Excellent organisation and time management
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage competing demands
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Degree (or equivalent experience)
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM)
• Experience in innovation projects or programmes
• Knowledge of water quality or environmental science
• Experience using SharePoint
• Ability to manage complex or sensitive issues

Other requirements:

• Full UK driving licence

What’s in it for you:

• Generous holiday allowance with the ability to buy and sell annual leave for added flexibility.
• Competitive company pension scheme.
• Training and development within the role.
• Access to thousands of discounts and vouchers through Pennon Perks.
• 24/7 support with our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• And more!

Closing Date: 1st July 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.