At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and deliver cost-effective maintenance solutions for Southern Water.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and health benefits.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on essential projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
Locations: Chichester
Time Type: Full time
Posted on: Posted Today
Time left to apply: End Date: May 15, 2026 (20 days left to apply)
Job Requisition ID: JR8215
Closing Date: 2026-05-15About the role
As a Contractor Performance Engineer, you will provide a cost-effective maintenance solutions service to Southern Water’s operational sites, tenanted properties and external customers and to support the delivery and management of the operational contracts service. The successful candidate would be responsible for the work life cycle; investigating cost effective options that meet operational needs, defining and communicating scope to contractors, managing the quality, cost and timely delivery of planned & reactive solutions and managing appropriate post-delivery close out.
You will be responsible for the contract administration of multiple contracts including cost and budget management, contract compliance, reporting and cost verification and Health & Safety performance of Contractors.
What you will be responsible for:
This is an important role in the Company, where the post holder will be expected to use their skills and experience in financial and works management to ensure that projects and work programmes have robust cost and Health & Safety control. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills and who is adept at problem solving, whilst understanding the importance of being able to communicate effectively with both internal and external partners and stakeholders. Good negotiation skills with up-to-date knowledge of Health & Safety practices and contract management are essential for this role. You will need to be a positive person who likes a challenge as this role will require you to manage and balance issues / problems against cost and budget restraints, but at the same time ensuring that essential works are carried out to the required standard avoiding a ‘Sticky Plaster’ situation.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
- Sound knowledge of maintenance work
- Sound knowledge of environmental considerations
- Thorough knowledge of contract conditions
- Good IT skills
- Sound H&S knowledge to support delivery of maintenance work and reactive activities commercial effectiveness and business expertise
- Skills to deliver cost effective solutions that meet the needs of Operations and Customers requiring a high degree of liaison between site owners / Customer and contractors and directly leading to delivery of stretching objectives
- Skills in cost management and budget monitoring
- Skills in cost analysis
- Financial awareness
- Risk and Compliance awareness with understanding of the risks associated with maintenance work and reactive work on operational activities e.g. wastewater compliance, pollutions, water quality etc.
- Strong financial awareness
Leadership and Management
- Ability to secure high levels of service from contractors ensuring contractor awareness of service and H&S requirements
- Mechanical/Electrical Experience and or Qualifications
- Contract management Experience and or Qualification
- Experience of SW operations
- A good understanding/experience of maintenance work and reactive requirements
- Knowledge of contract conditions and their applications
- Understanding of supplier/contractor relationship management
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. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!”
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself.
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. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
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. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration. We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.
Our Benefits:
- Company and performance-related bonus
- Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
- Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
- Health benefits through a Cash Plan
- Two paid community volunteering days a year
- 25 days annual holiday
- Occupational health service
- Retail discount app
- We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options
Contract Engineer employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chichester where you can make a meaningful impact on the water industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and performance-related bonuses, and a culture that values diversity and innovation, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to sustainable solutions. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming water services and enhancing community resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss salary and benefits confidently. Know your worth and be prepared to advocate for yourself during the offer stage.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are excited about making an impact in the water industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Contract Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract management, maintenance work, and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—give us examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with cost-effective solutions, so share those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with various contract conditions and their applications. Be ready to discuss how your knowledge can help manage compliance and performance effectively, as this role heavily relies on understanding contract management.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced in maintenance work or contract management. Highlight how you balanced cost constraints while ensuring quality and safety, demonstrating your ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical aspects. This role requires liaising with both internal teams and external contractors, so showcasing strong interpersonal skills will be key to your success.
✨Demonstrate Financial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and cost analysis. Show how you can deliver cost-effective solutions while maintaining high standards, as financial acumen is crucial for this position.
