At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and deliver innovative projects tackling environmental challenges.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, leading in sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a unique industry-academic partnership with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
Are you passionate about innovation, sustainability and real-world impact? Join us at South West Water as an Assistant Programme Manager supporting the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) - a pioneering partnership with the University of Exeter. Together, we're tackling some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, from achieving Net Zero by 2030 to advancing AI, data science and nature-based solutions in water and wastewater management.
The Role: As Assistant Programme Manager, you'll play a key role in coordinating and delivering cutting-edge research and innovation projects. Working alongside the Programme Manager and CREWW Director, you'll help ensure projects are well-planned, well-governed and successfully delivered. You'll also contribute to the wider Pennon innovation agenda, gaining exposure to the Pennon Innovation & Commercialisation Committee (PICC) and helping shape future opportunities across the Group.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Drive collaboration: Build strong relationships across South West Water, the University of Exeter, and external stakeholders.
- Track delivery: Monitor project timelines, risks and progress, ensuring milestones are achieved.
- Support decision-making: Analyse data, evaluate performance and provide insightful updates to stakeholders.
- Enable innovation: Help develop new projects, define scope and support delivery pathways.
- Make an impact locally: Engage with community groups, charitable initiatives and regional stakeholders.
- Contribute broadly: Support wider Pennon Group programmes, including social mobility initiatives.
What We're Looking For:
- Degree-qualified or equivalent experience.
- Experience in a fast-paced delivery or coordination role.
- Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make recommendations.
- Some knowledge or interest in project management or innovation (desirable).
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
- A proactive, detail-oriented approach with strong time management skills.
Why Join Us? Work on sector-leading research and innovation. Be part of a unique industry-academic partnership. Gain exposure to strategic programmes and senior leaders. Help deliver solutions that benefit customers, communities and the environment. Build a career at the forefront of sustainability and resilience.
Our Values: At South West Water, we are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and communities, driving innovation and continuous improvement, and supporting a culture of collaboration and inclusion.
What you'll get: Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West. We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Assistant Programme Manager you'll enjoy:
- Competitive Salary - Based on experience and skills.
- Annual Bonus Scheme - Recognising company performance.
- Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for your future.
- Flexible Working Options - We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible.
- Healthcare Benefits - Access to employee assistance programs.
- Employee Discounts - On various products and services.
- Annual Leave - Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement.
Closing Date: 19th June 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
Assistant Programme Manager in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and sustainability. Located in the picturesque Exeter HQ, our team enjoys competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee growth through exposure to strategic programmes and senior leaders. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the environment while building a rewarding career in a culture that values collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Programme Manager in Devon, Plymouth
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like South West Water that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like South West Water that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like South West Water. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like South West Water when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Programme Manager in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with South West Water's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Assistant Programme Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research South West Water and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that South West Water is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Assistant Programme Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with South West Water.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at South West Water.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of South West Water. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
