At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and drive commercial success in smart metering projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, health benefits, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and service excellence in the water sector.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in project management with strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Locations: Worthing, Falmer
Time type: Full time
Posted on: Posted 2 Days Ago
Time left to apply: End Date: June 26, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)
Job requisition id: JR8446
Closing Date
Location: Durrington, West Sussex (Hybrid, 2-3 days p/w)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: £to be discussed at application
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
The Strategic Partnership Lead is accountable for driving the successful commercial and strategic outcomes for the Smart Metering Alternative Metering Service (AMS) Programme. The AMS programme is the first of its kind in the water sector to drive a full turnkey solution via an external 3rd Party finance arrangement with metering rollout experts, called MAPs (Meter Asset Providers).
What you will be responsible for
- Lead and drive the development of commercial strategy and principles into the Exec Steering Committee via the Head of Smart Metering.
- Ensure the costs, controls and the deliverables continue to deliver to the regulatory Value for Money model, protecting the OPEX and CAPEX benefits in the Ofwat business case.
- Develop, own and deliver monthly Strategic Partner packs for review by Customer Leadership team and Commercial functions under the CFO.
- Manage the future development and implementation of the company's commercial policies and procedures.
What you'll bring to the role
- 8+ years of experience delivering complex, highly technical and commercial projects.
- Strong Project and Programme Management experience, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes.
- Ideally, advanced programme and project management expertise (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, Agile).
- Experience working in Utilities projects is desirable.
- Strong ability to manage interdependencies, risks, commercial arrangements, and third-party contracts.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills to build support for and input to the programme across multiple internal departments and 3rd parties.
- Commercially minded, focused on value and outcomes.
- A good understanding of CAPEX, OPEX, IRR, WACC and other financial controls is essential.
- Understanding of metering and meter funding principles is required from either energy or water sectors.
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, 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 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
Strategic Partnership Lead Smart Metering in Worthing employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Durrington, West Sussex, where you can make a significant impact on the future of water services. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and performance-related bonuses, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, you'll thrive in a role that drives strategic outcomes in the innovative Smart Metering programme. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainability and service excellence, and be part of a transformative journey in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnership Lead Smart Metering 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 values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Strategic Partnership Lead role. Keep it concise and impactful to grab their attention.
✨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 want to make a difference in the water industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnership Lead Smart Metering in Worthing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Partnership Lead role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and your understanding of CAPEX and OPEX, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that show how you've successfully delivered commercial outcomes or managed stakeholder relationships. We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 us at Southern Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of CAPEX, OPEX, IRR, and WACC. These financial controls are crucial for the Strategic Partnership Lead role, so be ready to discuss how you've managed these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project and programme management experience. Use specific instances where you successfully delivered complex projects, especially in utilities or similar sectors, to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
Think about how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share stories that illustrate your ability to manage interdependencies and risks while keeping everyone aligned towards common goals.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southern Water's current initiatives and their ambitious capital investment programme. Showing that you understand their goals and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
