At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of water assets and optimise performance for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: 30 days leave, private healthcare, bonus plan, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a culture of inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Asset Management; leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.
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.
We are seeking an exceptional Water Asset Director to lead the strategic management of our water asset portfolio. Based in Exeter with a hybrid working model, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring assets are managed across their full lifecycle to optimise performance, manage risk, and deliver outstanding regulatory and customer outcomes.
You will play a key role in shaping long-term asset strategies, investment planning, and governance frameworks that enhance resilience, sustainability, and efficiency across the business.
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.
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:
- 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. 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.
Water Asset Director in Plymouth employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in the picturesque Exeter, our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive development and training opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, generous leave, and a bonus plan. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying a fulfilling career in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Asset Director in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water sector, especially those at South West Water. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing teams and driving performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨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 making a splash in the water sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Asset Director in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for water asset management shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the water sector.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Water Asset Director role. Highlight your experience with asset strategies and investment plans, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with our goals!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like asset management.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the water asset management strategies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with South West Water's current projects and initiatives, especially those focused on sustainability and efficiency. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Water Asset Director, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive performance, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on the regulatory frameworks that govern the water sector, especially those that impact asset management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated compliance issues in previous roles and how you can ensure South West Water meets its statutory obligations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of specific situations where you identified capital investment opportunities or improved asset performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
