At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting projects in the wastewater network, ensuring efficiency and quality.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry with a clear vision for the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to empowering every employee.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society and the environment while driving innovation in water services.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science, Engineering or Management; strong leadership and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Closing Date: 2026-09-25
Location: Flexible within the Southern Water Region (Hybrid working)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: From £70,800 based on skills and experience
About the role
The Senior Project Manager (SPM) plans, directs, manages and provides clear oversight of assigned design and construction programmes to ensure that business goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed schedule and budget parameters. This role is specific to the wastewater network/infrastructure programme and related Developer Services and Growth sub-programmes.
What you will be responsible for
- The SPM is responsible for the overall budget and quality objectives of significant projects and/or programme of works.
- The role will be integral in delivering the step change in performance and efficiency required within the business.
- Ensuring effective workstream and tranche governance and assurance is in place using Assurance functions as appropriate.
- Assignment of competent engineering and project management resources.
- Leading and motivating a team of professionals, setting objectives and goals.
- Collaborative and integrated team working with SDP and DP’s to maximise efficiency opportunities.
- Coordinating the project teams in the delivery of the Workstream & Tranche Execution Plans.
- Transforming business needs into workstreams, tranches and projects.
- Ensuring projects are optimised and deliver on efficiency savings.
- Planning for and maximising Risk & Value (R&V) scope definition and opportunities.
- Ensuring R&V process is followed and timely decisions made to avoid delay.
- Identifying interdependencies between workstreams, tranches and projects.
- Management of environment and planning issues.
- Management and coordination of stakeholders.
- Management of Developer’s requirements.
- Procurement including negotiations with supply community.
- Actively support the risk management activities required to manage escalated risks from the Projects.
- Management of Risk and Change at workstream and tranche level.
- Approval of Change at tranche level.
- Supporting the Sponsor regarding direction and coordination of workstreams and tranches.
- Escalating potential change to Regulatory stakeholder expectations.
- Monitoring progress and performance of the workstreams and tranches.
Accountabilities:
- Health & Safety leadership and assurance for the workstreams and tranches.
- Compliance management through the Investment Decision phases.
- The production of Delivery Plans that meet the strategic objectives and securing approval by the Programme Steering Group.
- Ensuring workstreams and tranches deliver the outputs required by the Sponsor for the approved budget.
- Providing direction on proposals to resolve workstream and tranche issues.
- Providing direction on new or existing workstream and tranche risks in accordance with the risk management strategy.
- Ensuring the risk management deliverables of Projects are compliant with the Risk Management Process.
- Managing the Strategic Delivery Partner (SDP) and Delivery Partner (DP) procurement process.
- Escalating team and supplier performance issues as required.
- Managing planned and reactive schemes, when delivered by capital delivery.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Knowledge & Experience:
- Line management.
- Project and contract management (Delivery Partner and Strategic Delivery Partner).
- H&S standards and regulations.
- Water or utility industry.
- Water and Wastewater regulations.
- Construction Practices.
- Management of various stakeholder relationships.
- Developer Services (optional).
- Skills & Qualifications:
- A UK Drivers Licence & vehicle.
- Degree qualified in a Science, Engineering or Management subject (or equivalent experience).
- A member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Highly organised and able to multi-task.
- Strong financial awareness.
- Team management.
- Managing various stakeholder relationships.
- Implementing transformation change.
- Strong problem-solving capability.
- Strong delegation skills.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
Additional information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.
Our purpose is big. Our impact is huge. And we know that every single one of us has the power, through our actions, to positively change society and the environment for good.
Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position.
Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution.
Senior Project Manager in Chatham employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead and innovate in the water industry. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension and health plans, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace in Kent. Join us as we transform water services and contribute to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Chatham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Southern Water group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Project Manager at Southern Water group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
