Assistant Programme Manager

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

South West Water | Pennon Group Corporate Services
Location: Exeter HQ

Are you passionate about innovation, sustainability and real-world impact? Join us at South West Water as an Assistant Programme Manager supporting the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) — a pioneering partnership with the University of Exeter.

Together, we’re tackling some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, from achieving Net Zero by 2030 to advancing AI, data science and nature-based solutions in water and wastewater management.

As Assistant Programme Manager, you’ll play a key role in coordinating and delivering cutting-edge research and innovation projects. Working alongside the Programme Manager and CREWW Director, you’ll help ensure projects are well-planned, well-governed and successfully delivered.

You’ll also contribute to the wider Pennon innovation agenda, gaining exposure to the Pennon Innovation & Commercialisation Committee (PICC) and helping shape future opportunities across the Group.

• Drive collaboration: Build strong relationships across South West Water, the University of Exeter, and external stakeholders

• Track delivery: Monitor project timelines, risks and progress, ensuring milestones are achieved

• Support decision-making: Analyse data, evaluate performance and provide insightful updates to stakeholders

• Enable innovation: Help develop new projects, define scope and support delivery pathways

• Make an impact locally: Engage with community groups, charitable initiatives and regional stakeholders

• Contribute broadly: Support wider Pennon Group programmes, including social mobility initiatives

• Degree-qualified or equivalent experience

• Experience in a fast-paced delivery or coordination role

• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make recommendations

• Some knowledge or interest in project management or innovation (desirable)

• Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with senior stakeholders

• A proactive, detail-oriented approach with strong time management skills

• Work on sector-leading research and innovation

• Be part of a unique industry-academic partnership

• Gain exposure to strategic programmes and senior leaders

• Help deliver solutions that benefit customers, communities and the environment

• Build a career at the forefront of sustainability and resilience

At South West Water, we are committed to:

• Doing the right thing for our customers and communities

• Driving innovation and continuous improvement

• Supporting a culture of collaboration and inclusion

What you’ll get

Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West.

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Assistant Programme Manager you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills

• Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance

• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future

• Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible

• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs

• Employee Discounts – On various products and services

• Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: 19th June 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.