Strategic Partnership Lead Smart Metering

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 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 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, 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.

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.