Lead Regulatory Manager in Exeter

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.

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 employee assistance

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.