At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fresh water pollution governance and performance reporting to drive environmental improvements.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to making a difference—apply today!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability and help protect our environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in water operations, regulatory compliance, and performance management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible within our region (hybrid 2 days a week with travel to sites across the region. Access to a vehicle is essential for this role).
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £50-58,000 depending on skills and experience
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 role will act as the single point of accountability for Fresh Water Pollution performance reporting, governance, regulatory assurance, improvement planning and programme delivery. Working across Water Networks, Water Production, Operational Control, Environmental teams, Digital & Data and Operational Excellence, you will ensure that Fresh Water Pollution processes are effectively governed, risks are proactively managed, regulatory obligations are met, and performance improvement activities deliver measurable outcomes.
What you will be responsible for:
- Lead Fresh Water Pollution performance reporting, insight generation and KPI management, ensuring accurate and timely information is available to operational leaders and executive stakeholders.
- Lead the governance framework, documentation control, audit requirements and assurance processes for Fresh Water Pollution activities.
- Lead regulatory compliance monitoring against Environment Agency requirements, WIRI guidance, reporting standards and internal process obligations.
- Own delivery oversight of all Fresh Water Pollution improvement plans, PIRP commitments and regulatory action trackers, ensuring actions remain on track and value is realised.
- Act as Product Owner and business lead for Fresh Water Pollution systems, reporting tools, dashboards and digital developments.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Experience within Water Operations, Environmental Performance, Operational Excellence, Regulatory Compliance or Performance Management.
- Experience of managing governance frameworks and assurance activities.
- Experience producing executive-level performance reporting.
- Proven ability to lead improvement initiatives and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strong understanding of KPI management, reporting and data analysis.
- Experience engaging regulators, auditors or assurance functions.
- Understanding of Fresh Water Pollution processes and Environment Agency requirements highly desirable.
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.
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
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.
Fresh Water Pollution Governance & Performance Lead in Lewes employer: Southern Water
Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of Falmer, Brighton. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities while working on impactful infrastructure projects that contribute to the community. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fresh Water Pollution Governance & Performance Lead in Lewes
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Southern Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Southern Water and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Fresh Water Pollution Governance & Performance Lead in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Southern Water.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Southern Water will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Fresh Water Pollution Governance & Performance Lead at Southern Water. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Southern Water, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Southern Water that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
