At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead asset data strategy and drive improvements in data governance and management.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, competitive pension, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is our strength; we celebrate uniqueness and foster inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how we manage vital data for water services.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in asset data and experience with enterprise systems required.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ 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.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
We're looking for an exceptional leader to take ownership of asset data, information systems and continuous improvement across our water and wastewater operations. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll be responsible for ensuring that the asset information underpinning operational, regulatory and investment decisions is accurate, trusted and fit for the future. You'll lead the development of our asset data strategy, oversee core systems including GIS and asset management platforms, and drive transformational improvements in how data is governed, managed and used across the business.
If you're passionate about turning data into better decisions, creating organisational change and building industry-leading asset information capabilities, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the strategic direction of asset data governance, quality and information management.
- Take ownership of key enterprise asset systems including GIS, asset registers and associated data platforms.
- Ensure asset information provides a single, trusted source of truth across the organisation.
- Drive improvements in asset data quality, completeness and accessibility.
- Lead programmes that improve asset management practices and support compliance with ISO 55001 principles.
- Partner with Asset Management, Operations, Engineering and Digital teams to support evidence-based decision making.
- Develop and implement data standards, governance frameworks and performance metrics.
- Lead suppliers and technology partners to deliver business outcomes and value.
- Champion continuous improvement and innovation in asset information management.
What we are looking for:
You'll be a strategic leader with a strong background in asset data, enterprise systems or asset information management within a regulated infrastructure environment. You'll bring:
- Significant leadership experience in asset data, information systems or asset management.
- Experience developing and embedding data governance frameworks and quality standards.
- Knowledge of enterprise asset management systems, GIS platforms and systems integration.
- A proven track record of delivering large-scale business improvement and transformation programmes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of an organisation.
- Experience managing technology suppliers, contracts and performance delivery.
- A collaborative approach and passion for developing people, processes and capability.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline.
- Chartered status (or working towards) in a relevant professional institution such as ICE, CIWEM, BCS, RICS or equivalent.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of asset management and information management standards including ISO 55000 and ISO 19650.
- Understanding of the UK water regulatory environment.
- Leadership, change management or transformation qualifications.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to influence how a major infrastructure organisation manages one of its most valuable assets: its data.
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Bonus
- 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
- ... and much more!
Closing Date: 14th Aug 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
Head of Asset Data, Systems & Improvement in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and sustainability. Our employees benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside the chance to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives in one of the UK's most beautiful regions. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in the water sector.
