At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of water assets and optimise performance across their lifecycle.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: 30 days leave, bonus plan, private healthcare, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and innovation in a culture that values every individual.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while shaping your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Asset Management; leadership experience in asset management required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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.
We are seeking an exceptional Water Asset Director to lead the strategic management of our water asset portfolio. Based in Exeter with a hybrid working model, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring assets are managed across their full lifecycle to optimise performance, manage risk, and deliver outstanding regulatory and customer outcomes.
You will play a key role in shaping long-term asset strategies, investment planning, and governance frameworks that enhance resilience, sustainability, and efficiency across the business.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and define the water asset management strategy, policy, and governance frameworks.
- Own asset health, performance, lifecycle optimisation, and risk management across the portfolio.
- Provide portfolio-level oversight of asset performance, including interdependencies and system impacts.
- Identify, assess, and prioritise capital investment opportunities and sponsor major programmes from an asset owner perspective.
- Ensure robust asset data, information strategy, and assurance processes.
- Drive regulatory engagement, providing evidence-based submissions and ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations (including dam safety).
- Deliver clear and actionable commercial insights, reporting, and performance tracking.
- Lead and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary asset management team.
- Foster a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What we're looking for:
You are a strategic and experienced leader with a passion for asset excellence and delivering long-term value. You'll bring:
- A proven track record of developing and implementing asset strategies and investment plans.
- Strong experience managing large, complex asset portfolios.
- Expertise in asset risk, health, and lifecycle management.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving organisational performance.
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance.
- A passion for building high-performing teams and driving cultural change.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Professional accreditation (e.g., IAM, ICE, CIWEM) - desirable.
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Bonus Plan.
- 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.
Closing Date: 29th May 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.
Locations
Water Asset Director in Devon, Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private healthcare, and a competitive pension scheme. Located in the picturesque city of Exeter, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced lifestyle while contributing to a greener future through our ambitious environmental initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Asset Director in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water sector, especially those at South West Water. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research South West Water's projects and values. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're genuinely interested in their mission to create a greener future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in asset management and how it aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Asset Director in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for water asset management shine through. We want to see your passion for sustainability and how you can contribute to our mission of a greener future.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing complex asset portfolios. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills in asset management.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with South West Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, dive deep into South West Water's asset management strategies and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their goals around sustainability and efficiency, as this will help you align your experience with their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance and cultural change in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Water Asset Director position.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on the regulatory frameworks relevant to the water sector. Being able to discuss compliance and risk management confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future initiatives, especially regarding their environmental goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values.
