At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wastewater asset management strategy and oversee performance optimisation.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: 30 days leave, bonus plan, private healthcare, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working in Exeter with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on critical infrastructure while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in asset management with a degree in Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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.
We're looking for an exceptional Wastewater Asset Director to join our senior leadership team, based in Exeter with hybrid working. Reporting to the Chief Asset Officer, you will lead the strategic management of wastewater assets across their full lifecycle, ensuring optimal performance, resilience, and value for customers, regulators, and the business.
This is a pivotal role where you'll shape long-term asset strategy, drive investment priorities, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team. You'll play a key part in delivering regulatory commitments and supporting sustainable, future-ready infrastructure.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the wastewater asset management strategy, policies, and frameworks
- Own asset performance, health, risk, and lifecycle optimisation
- Oversee asset risk management and ensure transparency of risk exposure
- Provide strategic oversight of asset portfolios and performance insights
- Sponsor and guide capital investment programmes from an asset owner perspective
- Drive excellence in asset data, information, and governance
- Engage with regulators and stakeholders to support evidence-based submissions
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and safety requirements
- Deliver portfolio performance reporting and commercial insight
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing asset management function
What we're looking for:
You're a strategic, influential leader with deep expertise in asset management within utilities or other asset-intensive, regulated environments. You'll bring:
- A proven track record of developing and implementing asset strategies and investment plans
- Strong experience managing large, complex asset portfolios
- Expertise in asset risk, health, and lifecycle management
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving organisational performance
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance
- A passion for building high-performing teams and driving cultural change
Qualifications:
- Degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Professional accreditation (e.g., IAM, ICE, CIWEM) - desirable
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Bonus Plan
- 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
If you're ready to lead at scale and make a meaningful impact on critical infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 29th May 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
Wastewater Asset Director 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 innovation and collaboration. Located in the picturesque city of Exeter, our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive development and training opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, generous leave, and a bonus plan. Join us in making a meaningful impact on critical infrastructure while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the UK's most stunning landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wastewater Asset Director in Devon, Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their goals, especially around sustainability and asset management, so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Wastewater Asset Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and strategic thinking to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Wastewater Asset Director in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Wastewater Asset Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in asset management and how it aligns with our goals at South West Water. We want to see how you can make a splash in our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strategic leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've inspired and driven performance in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can build and lead high-performing teams!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding wastewater asset management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory frameworks in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think of specific instances where you drove performance or cultural change. This is crucial for a role like Wastewater Asset Director, where leadership is key.
✨Engage with Their Vision
South West Water is focused on sustainability and community impact. Be ready to discuss how your values align with their goals, such as lowering carbon footprints and improving water quality. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their current asset management strategies and future challenges. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their long-term success and understanding their operational landscape.
