At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects ensuring water resilience and sustainability.
- 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: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; be yourself and thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while leading significant projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive engineering leadership experience in major infrastructure required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 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.
South West Water is delivering a once-in-a-generation programme of investment to secure long-term water resilience across our region. We are seeking an exceptional Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director to lead the engineering delivery of our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) portfolio - a circa £4bn programme of nationally significant major infrastructure projects. This is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering complex, high-profile water resource schemes through the Major Water Infrastructure Programme. You will lead integrated, cross-functional teams and ensure successful outcomes from design through to delivery and operational readiness.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead end-to-end engineering and technical delivery across the SRO portfolio
- Drive value engineering, innovation and design excellence to maximise customer and environmental outcomes
- Provide leadership across engineering, environmental, planning, land, stakeholder and operational functions
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, and Board-level reporting across all programmes
- Oversee commercial performance and programme controls, aligned with NEC frameworks
- Build and manage senior stakeholder relationships, including RAPID, Ofwat, EA and Natural England
- Ensure health & safety excellence remains the top priority in all activities
- Develop high-performing, inclusive teams and foster a strong delivery culture
- Ensure alignment with group strategy, sustainability commitments and long-term planning
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a strategic, delivery-focused leader with:
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience in engineering/programme leadership within major infrastructure (water, utilities, energy)
- Proven track record delivering multi-million-pound major infrastructure programmes in regulated environments
- Strong experience delivering within the Major Water Infrastructure Programme
- Demonstrable success in leading complex, cross-functional teams
- Deep understanding of health & safety, governance, and commercial controls
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering or related field
- Extensive experience in programme leadership, including holding senior leadership positions
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Chartered status (ICE, CIWEM, APM or equivalent)
- Experience in contract management and NEC frameworks
Key Behaviours
- Collaborative Leader - builds alignment across diverse teams and functions
- Decisive & Accountable - takes ownership and drives results
- Influential Communicator - confident at Board and executive level
- Ethical & Values-Driven - leads with integrity and transparency
Why This Role?
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Lead high-impact, nationally significant infrastructure projects
- Play a pivotal role in securing future water resilience for our region
- Work closely with executive leadership and key external stakeholders
- Contribute to a purpose-led organisation focused on sustainability and innovation
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
- ... and much more!
If you're ready to take on a defining leadership role in one of the UK's most important infrastructure programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 6th 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.
Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director in Devon 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 innovation. With a commitment to employee growth through extensive training opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and generous leave, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the environment. Join us in Bristol or Exeter to lead transformative infrastructure projects that secure water resilience for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director in Devon
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director role you’re after at South West Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at South West Water a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at South West Water.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director at South West Water, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at South West Water a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to South West Water specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with South West Water, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like South West Water want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
