At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regulatory strategy for a major water infrastructure project and engage with key regulators.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, healthcare benefits, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and customer outcomes in the water sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulated utilities and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ 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.
About the Role
South West Water is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Regulatory Manager to play a pivotal leadership role within our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme. Reporting to the SRO Programme Director, you will lead regulatory strategy, engagement and coordination across a portfolio of nationally significant water resource infrastructure projects. This is a high-impact role at the heart of one of the UK water sector's most critical programmes, supporting delivery through Ofwat's Major Infrastructure delivery models (DPC/SIPR). You will act as the key interface between the programme and regulators, ensuring alignment with policy, governance and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and lead the overarching regulatory strategy for the SRO programme
- Provide expert advice on regulatory frameworks, compliance and policy developments
- Embed regulatory considerations into programme planning, investment cases and delivery strategies
- Act as senior regulatory advisor to programme leadership
- Support commercial and financial positioning, including risk, return and economic valuation
- Regulatory Engagement & Stakeholder Management
- Lead engagement with key regulators including Ofwat, Environment Agency, DWI and Natural England
- Build trusted, collaborative relationships across regulatory bodies
- Represent the programme in industry forums and regulatory discussions
- Coordinate responses to consultations, reviews and regulatory enquiries
- Regulatory Submissions & Assurance
- Lead development of regulatory submissions, business cases and assurance documentation
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting across programme milestones
- Coordinate cross-functional inputs into regulatory deliverables
- Support gateway reviews and investment approvals
- Monitor regulatory changes and assess impacts on programme delivery
- Programme Integration & Governance
- Embed regulatory requirements across engineering, commercial, environmental and programme teams
- Provide insight into governance processes, risks and decision-making
- Track and manage regulatory commitments and obligations
- Identify and mitigate risks affecting programme delivery
- Leadership & Capability
- Provide leadership across regulatory activities within the SRO programme
- Build regulatory capability across multi-disciplinary teams
- Promote a proactive, collaborative engagement culture
- Drive continuous improvement and best practice in regulatory management
About You
Experience
- Proven experience within a regulated utility environment, preferably water
- Extensive experience in economic regulation or similar field
- People management experience/previous experience in a senior leadership role
- Experience supporting major infrastructure or capital programmes
- Strong track record of managing complex regulatory relationships
Skills
- Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving capability
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including Board-level engagement
- Ability to simplify complex regulatory frameworks and issues
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration capability
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
Qualifications
- Essential: Degree in Economics, Policy, Business Management or related discipline
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and infrastructure planning
- Professional qualification in economics, finance or related field
- Desirable: Postgraduate qualification, Leadership or project management qualifications, Experience with data analysis and regulatory investigations, Membership of a relevant professional body
Why Join South West Water?
- Be part of a nationally significant programme shaping the future of water resources
- Influence policy, regulation and infrastructure delivery at senior level
- Work within a collaborative, purpose-driven environment
- Make a real impact on resilience, sustainability and customer outcomes
- 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 Lead Regulatory Manager you'll enjoy:
- Competitive Salary - Based on experience and skills
- Company car or car allowance - Options to support your role
- 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 private healthcare and employee assistance programs
Closing Date: 29th 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
SRO Lead Regulatory Manager in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment where employees can significantly impact the future of water resources. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being, we empower our team members to thrive in their careers while contributing to sustainability and community resilience in the stunning landscapes of the South West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SRO Lead Regulatory Manager in Devon, Plymouth
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like South West Water, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like South West Water and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace SRO Lead Regulatory Manager in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for South West Water and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South West Water, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South West Water.
