At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of water metering with innovative technology and strategic planning.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in environmental performance and customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a major transformation that impacts the environment and community.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business change initiatives, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Worthing, West Sussex (Hybrid, 2‑3 days p/w)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: up to £65,000 (depending on skills and experience)
Overview: 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: Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in our history – the Alternative Metering Service Programme. Between 2025 and 2030, we will replace over one million water meters, introducing cutting‑edge technology to revolutionise how we operate, engage with customers and protect our environment. As the Programme Business Readiness Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in preparing our business for this change.
What You Will Be Responsible For:
- You will be accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery of a defined workstream within the Alternative / Smart Metering Service Programme, ensuring scope, milestones, dependencies, risks and deliverables are clearly defined and effectively managed.
- Translate programme objectives and business priorities into practical, deliverable plans that can be executed by operational teams, technology teams and third‑party partners.
- Act as the primary delivery interface between the Programme, operational business areas and third‑party partners for the assigned workstream.
- Scope, plan, and schedule delivery activities for current and future phases of the Programme, managing interdependencies with other workstreams.
- Lead implementation planning and coordination, ensuring delivered products, processes, and capabilities are fully operational before handover.
What You’ll Bring To The Role:
- 5+ years of experience driving and delivering complex business change initiatives.
- Strong Business Change/Project Management experience, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes (right every time).
- Experience working in Water/Energy Smart Metering projects/programmes is desirable.
- High drive and attention to detail.
- Experience of managing a Business Change workstream plan and the associated risks.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, evolving priorities and handle multiple activities simultaneously.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills to build support operational changes arising from the Programme.
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.
Programme Readiness Lead - Smart Metering Transformation in Worthing employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Worthing, West Sussex, where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects that make a real difference in the community. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the chance to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing environmental performance and customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Readiness Lead - Smart Metering Transformation in Worthing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 goals, especially around the Smart Metering Transformation, so you can show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in business change and project management can help Southern Water achieve its ambitious transformation goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southern Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Readiness Lead - Smart Metering Transformation in Worthing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Readiness Lead role. Highlight your experience in business change initiatives and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in smart metering or similar fields.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with the objectives of the Alternative Metering Service Programme. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since stakeholder management is key for this role, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to build support for operational changes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
✨Know the Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Alternative Metering Service Programme. Familiarise yourself with its objectives, milestones, and how it impacts Southern Water's operations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Given the role's focus on business change initiatives, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to handle risks, manage interdependencies, and deliver results under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Stakeholder management is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships and gained support for operational changes in previous roles. Think of examples where you navigated challenges with stakeholders and how you ensured everyone was on board with the changes.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the programme and the team you'll be working with. Ask about the biggest challenges they foresee in the transformation process or how success is measured for the Programme Business Readiness Lead. This shows you're thinking critically about the role and its impact.
