At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regulatory strategy for major water infrastructure projects and engage with key regulators.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water resources and sustainability while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulated utilities and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 support 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.
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.
Lead Regulatory Manager employer: South West Water
South West Water is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment where employees can significantly impact the future of water resources in the stunning landscapes of Exeter or Bristol. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our team members to shape their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance resilience and customer outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Regulatory Manager
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like South West Water looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Regulatory Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at South West Water. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with South West Water’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
