Water Asset Director in Exeter

Water Asset Director in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
South West Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic management of water assets to optimise performance and deliver outstanding outcomes.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to water asset excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and cultural change.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in water management while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Asset Management; experience in managing complex portfolios.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

Role Overview: Lead the strategic management of the water asset portfolio across the operating lifecycle to optimise performance, manage risk, and deliver outstanding regulatory and customer outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Lead and define the water asset management strategy, policy, and governance frameworks.
  • Own asset health, performance, lifecycle optimisation, and risk management across the portfolio.
  • Provide portfolio-level oversight of asset performance, including interdependencies and system impacts.
  • Identify, assess, and prioritise capital investment opportunities and sponsor major programmes from an asset owner perspective.
  • Ensure robust asset data, information strategy, and assurance processes.
  • Drive regulatory engagement, providing evidence-based submissions and ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations (including dam safety).
  • Deliver clear and actionable commercial insights, reporting, and performance tracking.
  • Lead and develop a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary asset management team.
  • Foster a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For:

You are a strategic and experienced leader with a passion for asset excellence and delivering long‑term value.

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.

Benefits:

  • 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!

Closing Date: 29th May 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. The successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Water Asset Director in Exeter employer: South West Water

As a leading employer in the water management sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, where our employees are empowered to drive strategic asset management initiatives. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, private healthcare, and robust professional development opportunities, we are committed to supporting our team's growth and well-being. Join us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers and the environment while being part of a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to excellence.

South West Water

Contact Detail:

South West Water Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Water Asset Director in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Water Asset Director role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s asset management strategies and recent projects. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for asset excellence, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in managing complex asset portfolios and leading teams. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.

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 their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Water Asset Director in Exeter

Strategic Management
Asset Management Strategy
Risk Management
Performance Optimisation
Capital Investment Assessment
Regulatory Compliance
Data Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in asset management and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Water Asset Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your written application, emphasise your ability to develop and implement asset strategies. We’re looking for someone who can think critically about asset performance and risk management, so share examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset.

Highlight Team Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team, make sure to mention your experience in managing teams. We love to see how you’ve fostered collaboration and driven performance in your previous roles, so include specific instances where you’ve made an impact.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so keep it professional yet engaging. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water

Know Your Assets

Before the interview, dive deep into the company's water asset portfolio. Understand their strategic management approach and be ready to discuss how you can optimise performance and manage risks effectively.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've driven organisational performance and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration in previous roles.

Understand Regulatory Frameworks

Brush up on relevant regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to water asset management. Being able to articulate your understanding will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

Bring Actionable Insights

Think about how you can deliver clear and actionable commercial insights. Prepare to discuss past experiences where you've provided evidence-based submissions or tracked performance effectively, showcasing your analytical skills.