Job Description
This job is with Southern Water, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Closing Date
2025-06-17Job Title: IT Contract and Supplier Lead
Location: Hybrid working between our office in Falmer and home.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: Up to £52,300 depending on skills and experience.
Job Overview
Southern Water is currently going through an exciting IT transformation which will strategically change the way it delivers IT support and services to its business and end users.
Known internally as an Operational Technology Data Assurance Lead, this role will work with Southern Water Operational teams, delivery partners and contractors to ensure they meet their objectives and SLAs to achieve the goals of Southern Water for the delivery of high-quality drinking water, the safe management of waste water and protection of the environment.
Reporting to the Operational Technology Systems Manager, the OT Data Assurance Lead will contribute towards the building of repeatable processes to allow the team to measure the availability of data and audit the accuracy and data integrity. They will work with the Agile delivery teams within Operational Technology and Telemetry to identify and remediate issues with data collection, accuracy and data integrity.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to
- Operational Technology Contractor Management
- Incident and Problem Management
- Day-to-day task management and BAU activities
About You
We are keen to hear from applicants who have proven skills within IT Service Management and Operational Technology infrastructure or networking.
A background in IT, Software or Electrical/Electronic engineering would lend itself well to this position, as would experience in supplier management and incident management.
Experience within the Utilities industry would be advantageous.
Package
This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between our office in Falmer and home.
We are offering a salary of up £52,300 depending on skills and experience, as well as other benefits including:
• 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
• Perkbox benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• We offer competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
Why Southern Water?
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, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.
This is more than a role; it's an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.
#LI-DNI
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Contract and Supplier Lead
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Southern Water, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Southern Water
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Southern Water. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Southern Water insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Southern Water that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Southern Water to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Southern Water.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
