At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget management.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water resilience and make a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within infrastructure or engineering environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Falmer with travel to various locations therefore driving licence is essential (Hybrid based on operational requirement)
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: to be discussed at the screening stage
About the role
Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK water industry. Our newly established Capital Projects Directorate is leading the delivery of several Strategic Resource Option (SRO) projects, with a combined value exceeding £5bn. Our Major Projects team is at the heart of delivering critical programmes that transform our business and communities. As a Project Manager in our Major Projects team, you will oversee the delivery of key projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. You’ll have the opportunity to influence Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) worth over £1 billion, delivered under Ofwat’s innovative financing models (DPC/SIPR). These nationally significant, large-scale infrastructure projects are critical to securing and future-proofing water supply across the region.
Job Overview
We’re recruiting for several roles, each responsible for delivering a specific package of work within a wider project workstream, reporting into the Programme Manager. These roles will support major infrastructure programmes including Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) or Specified Infrastructure Project Regulations (SIPR) initiatives — a pioneering model using third-party finance to fund future assets — and our Development Consent Order (DCO) workstream, which enables the delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. You’ll lead on scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement to meet critical project milestones. Success will require navigating complex challenges, driving innovation beyond business-as-usual approaches, and collaborating with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the delivery of your workstream package through planning, risk management, and governance
- Supporting the development of commercial models and procurement strategy (including £1bn+ tender design)
- Coordinating cross-functional teams including engineering, finance, procurement and legal
- Managing stakeholder relationships across internal teams, suppliers, regulators and other industry bodies
- Ensuring the delivery of high-quality project information, performance reporting and financial forecasting
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
- Experience delivering projects within infrastructure, engineering or construction environments
- Exposure of working in regulated or multi-stakeholder environments
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Good commercial awareness, including budget and performance management
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
Desirable
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Science, Engineering or Project/Programme Management
- Knowledge of third-party finance models (e.g. PFI or PPP)
- Understanding of engineering or construction contracts
- Professional membership (or working towards) such as APM
- Experience working on Development Consent Order (DCO) projects
About 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.
Our commitment to inclusion
We understand that great talent comes in many forms. If this role excites you and you share our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our communities, please apply—even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every requirement. We’ll support your growth and development.
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 (Workday).
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on any 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.
Project Manager in Horsham employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission to transform the UK water industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Falmer, our team plays a crucial role in delivering major infrastructure projects that not only enhance community resilience but also contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southern Water and their major projects. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your skills can help them achieve success. We want to see you shine and show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in managing complex projects and how you’ve navigated challenges in the past. We love candidates who can communicate clearly and confidently, so let’s hear your story!
✨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, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in the water industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in infrastructure and project management, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Southern Water.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. Use numbers and examples to make your case stronger!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Southern Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into Southern Water's major projects and their significance. Familiarise yourself with the Strategic Resource Option projects and how they impact water resilience. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll be managing various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged and influenced senior stakeholders in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to navigate complex relationships.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in regulated environments, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand Financial Models
Since the role involves third-party finance models, brush up on your knowledge of PFI or PPP. Be ready to discuss how these models work and how you've applied similar concepts in your previous projects. This will show your commercial awareness and readiness for the role.
