At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk-based assurance and audit programmes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent; experience in audit or risk management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
The WSN Assurance Lead (SWW Focus) is responsible for delivering a risk-based assurance and audit programme to ensure South West Water (SWW) meets regulatory, operational, and governance standards. This role plays a critical part in embedding a "Quality First" culture, supporting compliance, continuous improvement, and providing assurance to senior leadership and the Executive Board.
Purpose of the Role
- Deliver high-quality outcomes for customers, stakeholders, and the environment
- Lead a risk-based first-line assurance and audit programme
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls
- Drive continuous improvement through corrective action planning
- Support second-line assurance activities led by Group Risk & Compliance
Key Responsibilities
- Audit & Assurance
- Design and implement a 1st line risk-based assurance framework
- Develop and manage the annual internal audit programme aligned to SWW priorities
- Conduct audits and produce high-quality reports with actionable insights
- Ensure audit outputs support reporting into SWW Operational Leadership Team (OLT)
- Risk & Compliance
- Maintain alignment with key regulatory obligations and compliance frameworks
- Act as a subject matter expert for Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Support 2nd and 3rd line assurance activities, including external audits
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across SWW and Group functions
- Influence and challenge stakeholders to ensure effective control environments
- Present findings and insights to leadership teams clearly and confidently
- Performance & Reporting
- Deliver monthly assurance reports for SWW OLT
- Track and manage corrective actions through to resolution
- Ensure timely escalation of risks and issues
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve assurance processes and risk management
- Lead or contribute to transformation and improvement initiatives
Key Deliverables
- Annual audit and assurance plan
- Audit reports with agreed corrective actions
- Monthly reporting for leadership governance forums
- Effective tracking and closure of audit findings
- QMS compliance oversight and reporting
- Contributions to transformation and improvement initiatives
Skills & Experience Required
Essential Experience
- Experience in audit, assurance, or risk management
- Understanding of water industry operations or regulated utilities
- Strong stakeholder management, including senior leadership
- Ability to produce and present clear, high-quality reports
Core Skills
- Analytical and risk assessment capability
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail with high integrity
- Ability to manage multiple priorities to deadlines
Qualifications
Required: A-levels (or equivalent)
Desirable: Degree (or equivalent), Professional audit or risk qualification
Closing Date: 8th 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
Water Services National Assurance Lead (SWW Focus) 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 champions sustainability and community engagement. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement within the Pennon Group. Join us in a role that not only ensures compliance and quality but also contributes to a greener future in one of the UK's most beautiful regions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Services National Assurance Lead (SWW Focus) in Devon, Plymouth
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like South West Water looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Services National Assurance Lead (SWW Focus) in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at South West Water. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with South West Water’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
