Water Services National Assurance Lead (SWW Focus) in Exeter

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 supporting 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 ResponsibilitiesAudit & 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 RequiredEssential 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 everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

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