At a Glance
- Tasks: Support delivery of engineering projects and coordinate teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health benefits, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on vital water services.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or water industry, strong organisational skills, and a proactive attitude.
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.
Are you an organised and proactive individual looking to build your career in project management? We are seeking an Assistant Project Manager to join our busy engineering team, supporting the delivery of a high volume of planned and reactive projects across the construction and water sectors.
About the role
This is a field-based role requiring regular travel, working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. It offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of critical works - often to tight timescales - while developing your skills across a broad range of technical disciplines and real-world project challenges. If you are detail-oriented, eager to learn, and enjoy problem-solving in a dynamic environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the delivery of multiple fast-turnaround engineering projects
- Assisting with coordination of teams, contractors, and stakeholders to keep projects on track
- Helping to monitor project timelines, costs, and quality standards
- Supporting mobilisation of works, including temporary solutions where required
- Tracking progress and escalating potential issues to ensure timely resolution
- Assisting with reactive and emergency works, including occasional out-of-hours support
- Supporting cost tracking and ensuring projects remain aligned with budgets
- Helping to ensure smooth handover to operations and completion of project documentation
- Promoting and adhering to health & safety compliance across all activities
What we are looking for:
- Essential Experience within the construction and/or water industry (including placements or entry-level roles)
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills with a proactive, can-do attitude
- Ability to support multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
- Basic understanding of health and safety requirements
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites
- Flexibility to support reactive or emergency work when required
Desirable
- Exposure to project coordination or project management activities
- Experience supporting budgets or cost tracking
- Relevant qualification (e.g. degree, HNC/HND, or working towards APM/Prince2)
- Technical Knowledge (one or more of the following): Mechanical or Electrical systems, Instrumentation, Control and Automation, Civil Engineering, Process or scientific systems, Clean or wastewater site operations
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:
- Generous holiday allowance bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus
- 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: 10th 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.
Assistant Project Manager Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works) in Heavitree employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the delivery of vital water services across the stunning landscapes of the South West. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits, and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to grow their careers while making a meaningful difference in the community. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and innovation in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Project Manager Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works) in Heavitree
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show that you're genuinely interested in South West Water's mission and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role involves tackling real-world challenges, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated tricky situations. This will impress interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to a greener future.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Project Manager Engineering (Reactive & Planned Works) in Heavitree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, and tailoring your application to highlight your relevant experience can really make you stand out.
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your skills! We want to see how your organisational and problem-solving abilities can contribute to our projects. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Keep It Professional but Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We value authenticity, so feel free to express why you’re passionate about this role and how you align with our values at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research the types of projects South West Water is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives, especially those related to engineering and sustainability. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you relate your experience to their work.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Project Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed time-sensitive projects or coordinated teams. Highlight your organisational strategies and how they contributed to project success.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in fast-paced environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing how you approached problems and what solutions you implemented.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in project management. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated with various stakeholders in the past, whether it's team members, contractors, or clients. Share examples that demonstrate your proactive attitude and ability to keep everyone informed and engaged.
