Service Delivery Project Manager

Location: Kent, Hampshire, Sussex

Contract Type: Permanent

Positions available: x4

Hours: 37

Salary: Up to £53k based on skills and experience, plus business needs car

About the role:

We’re looking for a driven and commercially astute Project Manager to join Southern Water’s Contractor Service Delivery team, helping to deliver cost-effective maintenance and operational capital projects across our critical assets. You’ll own projects end-to-end identifying value-led solutions, defining scope, managing contractors, and ensuring safe, high-quality delivery to time and budget.

What you will be responsible for:

• Managing multiple projects, with responsibility for contract administration, cost and budget control, compliance, reporting, and contractor H&S performance.
• Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, you’ll be part of a high-performing team of 10 x Project Managers delivering operational capital projects valued at around £100m.
• Leading project delivery with an uncompromising commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence, setting clear expectations for contractors and suppliers.
• Managing and controlling contractor performance across H&S, scope, cost, and quality, supported by strong governance, audits, site inspections, and commercial negotiations.
• Owning budget and cost management across multiple workstreams, producing accurate forecasts, final cost projections, and budget vs. actual analysis using robust management information.
• Developing practical, value-led solutions that balance operational needs with cost constraints ensuring essential works are delivered while avoiding unnecessary “gold-plating”.
• Reviewing and approving contractor payment applications, ensuring costs align with agreed scope and that works are completed to the required standard.
• Attending operational sites to undertake cost verification, assurance checks, and stakeholder meetings as required.
• Driving performance against milestones, KPIs, and delivery targets, contributing to Southern Water’s SIM and wider operational objectives.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with operational site owners, contractors, and internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted delivery and commercial partner.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Proven Project Management experience preferably within a utility environment.
• Solid technical and operational background with demonstrable experience delivering maintenance or operational projects.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory and legislative framework relevant to utility operations.
• Thorough knowledge of contractual and commercial conditions, with confidence managing cost, scope, and contractor performance.
• A track record of delivering cost-effective solutions that balance operational needs, customer outcomes, and financial control.
• Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with operational site owners, customers, and contractors.
• Comfortable working in a highly autonomous role, using strong influencing, negotiating, and networking skills to drive performance and secure high service standards.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring contractor awareness and adherence at all times.

Desirable:

• Formal Project Management qualifications such as APM or PRINCE2.
• Health & Safety qualifications (IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent).
• Experience delivering projects within operational capital or planned maintenance frameworks.
• Willingness to work towards relevant project or H&S qualifications if not already held.

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.

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.