At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key customer accounts and deliver exceptional service while driving growth.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in business water retail with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, bonuses, health perks, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values diversity and empowers you to make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in water hygiene/treatment and strong account management skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Key Account Manager role at South West Water Pennon Water Services, t/a Source for Business, a national business water retailer delivering simple, accurate and timely billing to around 100,000 customers through great customer service. We are committed to helping our customers lower water use and reduce costs. As employees, we thrive in a supportive working environment, developing and continuously learning to ensure we are all working at our best and we’re looking for enthusiastic people to join our growing team and be part of our continued success.
About the role
A fantastic opportunity for a driven, customer‑focused water hygiene/treatment professional. As our Key Account Manager, you’ll own a portfolio of customers and be the go‑to contact for key brokers—delivering standout service, fast billing resolution, accurate contract management and long‑lasting relationships. You’ll collaborate across Operations, Commercial and Technical teams to ensure flawless contract delivery, great customer outcomes and spot fresh opportunities for growth and service improvement.
What you’ll be doing
- Own broker relationships end‑to‑end, ensuring fast, accurate handling of queries, billing and contracts.
- Act as the key customer contact, driving retention, satisfaction and commercial performance.
- Lead account reviews, resolve issues and ensure full compliance.
- Manage renewals and pricing, supporting negotiation with accurate documentation.
- Work with technical teams to deliver water hygiene and legionella control to ACOP L8/HSG274 standards.
- Identify cross‑sell and upsell opportunities across accounts.
- Produce sharp, cost‑effective bids for new hygiene and treatment work.
- Monitor competitors and recommend smarter processes.
- Support management with insight and technical input.
- Champion H&S, quality and service excellence at all times.
What we are looking for
- Water Hygiene / Water Treatment professional with solid industry experience.
- Confident with ACOP L8 and HSG274 – you know the guidance inside out.
- Proven account or broker management skills, with a track record of keeping customers happy.
- Great communicator and relationship‑builder at every level.
- Commercial, proactive and solutions‑focused – you get things done and deliver results.
- Highly organised multitasker with sharp attention to detail.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science.
What’s in it for you
We’re all about investing in our people. You’ll get ongoing training, development and support to grow a long‑term career with us. As part of the Pennon Group, you’ll also enjoy:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share‑save scheme.
- Health & wellbeing benefits.
- Employee support and financial wellbeing programmes.
- Group discounts + Cycle to Work and plenty more perks along the way.
Closing date: 19th December 2025. 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
- 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.
Job details
- Seniority level: Not Applicable.
- Employment type: Full‑time.
- Job function: Sales and Business Development.
- Industry: Utilities.
Key Account Manager in Bournemouth employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on ACOP L8 and HSG274 standards, and be ready to discuss how you've handled customer relationships in the past. Show them you're the Key Account Manager they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to convey your experience and how it aligns with their values. Think about how you can demonstrate being 'Rock Solid' and 'You' in your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and being part of their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in water hygiene and treatment, and showcase how your skills align with our commitment to great customer service.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven customer satisfaction and retention in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for the industry and how you can contribute to our supportive working environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board with our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water hygiene and treatment standards, especially ACOP L8 and HSG274. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Key Account Manager, building strong relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed broker relationships in the past, focusing on how you resolved issues and maintained customer satisfaction.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Demonstrate your proactive approach by preparing to discuss specific instances where you've identified opportunities for growth or service improvement. This will highlight your commercial mindset and ability to drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like billing disputes or contract negotiations. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.