At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land and property strategy for major infrastructure projects, ensuring successful delivery.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and celebrates uniqueness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: MRICS or FRICS qualification with strong experience in land acquisition and project management.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ 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.
Join South West Water's Strategic Resource Options Programme.
Role Overview: South West Water is seeking an experienced Land & CPO Lead to play a critical senior role in delivering a major infrastructure programme within the Strategic Resource Option (SRO), including the Cheddar 2 project. This role will provide technical, strategic and delivery leadership across all land, property, statutory powers and compulsory purchase activities. The successful candidate will ensure excellent external stakeholder communication and engagement and the timely acquisition of land and rights required to support project delivery, from early engagement through to consent implementation and construction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take the lead in shaping and delivering the land and property strategy for a major infrastructure programme.
- Play a key role in securing land and rights from a wide and varied landowner base, balancing business needs with the interests of our stakeholders and making a tangible impact on project success.
- Use your expertise to select and apply the most effective land acquisition approaches, from negotiation through to compulsory purchase.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and project teams, influencing key decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead and collaborate with specialist consultants, ensuring high-quality, joined-up delivery.
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of the Compulsory Purchase Order, helping bring a nationally significant project forward.
- Take ownership of land and property budgets, cost forecasts and financial performance.
- Identify and manage risks proactively, ensuring smooth and compliant delivery.
- Build strong, lasting relationships with landowners, partners and regulators, managing carefully business reputation.
- Contribute to key reporting and approvals, helping shape decisions at programme and board level.
Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- MRICS or FRICS qualification.
- Strong experience leading land purchase and CPO for complex major infrastructure projects.
- In-depth knowledge of compulsory purchase legislation and compensation code.
- Statutory powers and infrastructure planning processes.
- Proven experience in land acquisition, valuation and negotiation.
- Experience managing consultants, budgets and delivery programmes.
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capability.
- Ability to manage complex risks, governance and assurance processes.
Desirable:
- Degree in property, land/estate management or agriculture.
- CAAV membership.
Key Competencies:
- Strong technical expertise combined with strategic leadership.
- Excellent negotiation skills, including handling complex and contentious matters.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Clear and confident communication of complex technical issues.
- Ability to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary delivery environment.
This is a senior leadership position offering the opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant infrastructure programmes in the South West. The role will act as a trusted technical authority and strategic partner, ensuring land and property considerations enable successful project delivery.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive Salary - Based on experience and skills.
- Company car or car allowance - Options to support your role.
- Annual Bonus Scheme - Rewarding your performance.
- Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for your future.
- Healthcare Benefits - Access to private healthcare and employee assistance programs.
- Professional Development - Support for career growth with training opportunities.
- Employee Discounts - On various products and services.
- Generous Annual Leave - Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement.
Closing Date: Thursday 9th 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
SRO Land & CPO lead in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Exeter or Bristol. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our professional development opportunities and competitive benefits package, including a company car, annual bonus scheme, and generous leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SRO Land & CPO lead in Devon, Plymouth
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like South West Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like South West Water and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace SRO Land & CPO lead in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at South West Water.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. South West Water will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SRO Land & CPO lead at South West Water. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at South West Water, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show South West Water that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
