At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and management of water resources for a greener future.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water resource solutions in stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science or Engineering and experience in water resources management.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ 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.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Water Resources Planner to lead the strategic planning and management of water resources for South West Water based in either Exeter or Bristol. This is a pivotal role ensuring long-term water supply resilience, regulatory compliance, and delivery of key programmes including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), regional planning through WCWE, and drought planning. You will provide technical expertise, strategic direction, and stakeholder leadership - working across the business and with external partners to shape sustainable water resource solutions for the future.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Support the development and ongoing delivery of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP).
- Develop and monitor delivery of long-term water resource strategy aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Conduct annual reviews of water resource position and identify emerging risks.
- Develop future supply options, strategies and investment plans.
- Technical & Analytical Oversight
- Oversee modelling, data analysis, and forecasting of water availability and demand.
- Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and prioritise initiatives.
- Ensure modelling capability meets current and future regulatory planning needs.
- Guide consultants supporting strategic planning delivery.
- Programme & Delivery Management
- Oversee WRMP improvement commitments and report progress to senior leadership.
- Support delivery of Drought Plans and environmental programmes (e.g. WINEP).
- Develop business cases and support investment planning processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators (Environment Agency, Ofwat, Natural England).
- Collaborate with regional groups, local authorities, and industry partners.
- Represent South West Water in regional planning forums with WCWE.
- Risk & Resilience
- Identify risks including drought, environmental impact, and infrastructure challenges.
- Develop mitigation strategies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply.
About You
Essential Experience
- Strong background in water resources management, environmental planning, or similar.
- Proven experience delivering strategic planning programmes.
- Experience working within a regulated environment (ideally water industry).
- Demonstrated leadership or management experience.
- Strong project and stakeholder management skills.
Key Skills & Behaviours
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects.
- High attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Collaborative approach with the ability to influence at senior levels.
Qualifications
- Degree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related discipline (required).
- Professional membership (e.g. CIWEM) desirable.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivery of a robust, compliant and forward-looking WRMP.
- Strong partnership with regulators and regional stakeholders.
- Clear, data-driven investment decisions supporting long-term resilience.
- A high-performing, collaborative water resources planning function.
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.
Locations
Senior Water Resources Planner in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the stunning landscapes of Exeter and Bristol. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement not only enhances employee satisfaction but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the water sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages you to be your authentic self.
