Head of Workforce Planning, Data & People Reporting

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate. We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions. Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for people and data? We’re looking for a dynamic leader to shape our workforce agenda and drive our data-led decision-making culture. We currently have an opportunity for a Head of Workforce Planning, Data and People Reporting to join our dedicated People & Culture team based in Exeter or Bristol. Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary plus excellent benefits and car allowance.

About the role: The Head of Workforce Planning, Data and People Reporting plays a critical leadership role in shaping the strategic workforce agenda of the company. This individual is responsible for ensuring that the organisation has the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles – both now and into the future. They will lead the development and delivery of workforce plans, people analytics, and reporting to drive data-led decision-making culture across the group.

What you’ll be doing:

• Strategic Workforce Planning – Lead the co-ordination and development of robust workforce plan that supports the functional requirements and wider Group PR24 business plan.
• People Data & Analytics – Design and lead the company’s people analytics strategy, using data to provide insights into workforce trends, risks and opportunities.
• Regulatory & Business Reporting – Ensure the timely delivery of all internal and external people reports, including regulatory returns, board reports, KPIs and performance dashboards.
• Forecasting & Modelling – Develop and maintain workforce forecasting models that support proactive planning, including turnover, succession, and recruitment needs.
• Operational Partnership – Collaborate with Heads of People and senior leaders to embed workforce plans into business unit plans and day-to-day activities.
• System & Data Governance – Oversee the governance of HR systems and data quality to ensure reliable, accurate reporting and insight generation.
• People Governance & Business Change Support – Support People Governance and compliance reporting and business change programs with people impact data and assessments.
• Leadership & Capability Building – Lead and build a high-performing culture, build internal capabilities in workforce analytics and reporting best practices.
• Enhance our Group Reputation – Seek to enhance our Group reputation through the promotion and awareness of our people.
• People Committee – Establish and support a Group People Committee to gain Executive buy in for People activities and delivering the People strategy.

What we are looking for:

• Degree/similar level of experience and a minimum of 3 years of corporate / people reporting.
• Successful leadership and delivery of significant corporate projects.
• Strategic thinking / effective deliverer of business change.
• Proven experience in strategic workforce planning, analytics, or HR operations leadership.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Good understanding of HR systems, data modelling tools, and reporting platforms.
• Experience working in a regulated, corporate or operationally complex environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of delivering corporate reporting and driving innovation.

If you’re a data-driven leader with a passion for people, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and help us shape the future of our workforce.

Closing date: 25th July 2025

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.

We’re always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there’s anything else you’d like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don’t hesitate to send your details to our Talent Acquisition Team.