Head of Ford/Aylesford

Location: Falmer, East Sussex (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37, Monday to Friday

Salary: £competitive salary, pension + car allowance

There has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. As we move through AMP8, we are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long‐term affordability for customers.

About the role

Reporting into the Managing Director Capital Projects as part of the Capital Projects Leadership team, the Head of Ford & Aylesford is a single point accountable for the delivery of the pair of alternatively financed recycling projects the company is committed to deliver. The role provides leadership to strategically manage safety, risk, monitor finances and ensure each phase of work is started or completed on time. This is a unique opportunity to lead on two pioneering water recycling projects.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead and own the development of and defining of project objectives, requirements and milestones. Overseeing the preparation and allocation of budgets as well as liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all parties are aligned with the project's direction. Implementing risk management processes to mitigate project risks effectively.
• In support of delivery, the role holder will need to manage not only the technical development but also deliver and integrate the following elements:
• All commercial agreements associated with the projects;
• The delivery of the DPC scheme to fund, build and operate the Ford/Aylesford plants, namely the tender, selection and award of the Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP). As part of this the role will include ensuring delivery of the successful negotiation of the associated construction and financing agreements;
• The successful delivery of the relevant planning processes.

You will bring a blend of project, technical, financial and commercial leadership, partnered with an outcome focused mindset to the team. Most important, is the ability to integrate between these elements. You will anticipate and identify risks and opportunities which impact key metrics of performance and collaborate internally and externally to proactively develop mitigations to maintain confidence and progress.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Demonstrable experience of creating and executing strategies to gain external and internal buy in.
• Deep understanding and significant experience in commercial delivery of complex schemes within highly regulated sectors.
• Excellent communicator, at Leadership & Executive level – able to engage and articulate insight and recommendations succinctly and persuasively.
• Demonstrable people leadership, management and development experience.
• Excellent level of numeracy and literacy with attention to detail, with presentation and effective communication of findings and actionable insight proposals.
• High level of understanding and experience of Project and Programme Delivery principles and practices – within the context of a Regulated Industry.
• An understanding of and experience in managing programmes through the entire project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.

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.

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

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 preemployment 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.

Interested in the role?

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
• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
• Health benefits through a Cash Plan
• Two paid community volunteering days a year
• 28 days annual holiday
• Occupational health service
• Retail discount app
• We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options

Everybody Welcome

We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to facilitate your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Need flexibility in your work?

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. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?