At a Glance
- Tasks: Support risk management across high-value projects and enhance decision-making.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career in risk management.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of risk management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and influence.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Closing Date: 20/02/2026
Location: Falmer
Contract Type: 12 month fixed term contract
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: up to £55k
About the role
We have an exciting internal opportunity to join Southern Water's Capital Delivery Programme Management Office team as a Risk Business Partner Lead. This role sits within the PMO Risk function and plays a key part in embedding effective risk management capability across the capital programme, supporting informed decision-making and successful delivery. It's an ideal opportunity for someone looking to step into, or further develop a career in risk, working across complex, high-value programmes with senior stakeholders. The team work collaboratively and value visibility and connection. Everyone is in the Falmer office on a Tuesday, with flexibility to choose one additional office day each week.
What you will be responsible for:
- You will support the consistent and effective application of risk management across the Capital Programme, ensuring risks are identified early, clearly communicated and appropriately escalated.
- Supporting the PMO Risk team to ensure all risks are consistently recorded, managed and reported across the Capital Programme.
- Identifying and capturing risks at project, programme and portfolio level.
- Providing timely risk insight to minimise threats and maximise opportunities.
- Supporting effective risk governance and compliance with risk management processes.
- Coaching and mentoring project and programme teams to increase risk maturity across the business.
- Supporting development and enhancement of the Capital Delivery Risk Management Framework.
Additional Requirements specific to the role:
- Hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week in the Falmer office.
- Participation in audit activity relating to risk management as required.
- No standby or rota requirements.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Essential: Knowledge of risk management, programme and/or project controls within a large to medium sized organisation, programme and/or project controls environment.
- Experience supporting or managing risks within capital programmes or complex projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present risk insights clearly.
- Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including "influencing without authority".
- Desirable: Experience coaching or supporting others in applying risk management best practice.
- Familiarity with risk information management systems and reporting tools.
About SW- Standard wording
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 *******, 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.
Risk Business Partner employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Southern Water on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the key responsibilities of a Risk Business Partner. Brush up on risk management concepts and think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company during interviews. Talk about how you can contribute to their mission of transforming the water industry and why you're excited about the opportunity.
✨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 Risk Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Risk Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in risk management and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, use your application to demonstrate these abilities. Be clear and concise in your writing, and don’t shy away from showcasing any relevant presentations or reports you've created in the past.
Engage with Our Values: Familiarise yourself with Southern Water's commitment to diversity and innovation. In your application, reflect on how your unique experiences and perspectives can contribute to our mission. We love seeing candidates who resonate with our values!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application 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 there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Risk Management Basics
Make sure you brush up on your risk management knowledge before the interview. Understand key concepts and frameworks, especially those relevant to capital programmes. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the PMO Risk function.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully identified and managed risks in previous roles. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to demonstrate your experience and problem-solving skills. This will show that you can apply theory to practice.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves influencing stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated risk insights in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with different levels of an organisation, especially when it comes to 'influencing without authority'.
✨Show Your Coaching Skills
If you have experience coaching others in risk management best practices, be sure to mention it. Southern Water values collaboration and mentorship, so demonstrating your ability to uplift team members will make you stand out as a candidate.