Project Manager

Closing Date

Job Title: Project Manager – Major Projects

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. If you’re ready to shape the future of water resilience for generations to come, we want to hear from you.

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.