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.
PMO Manager – Strategic Resource Option (SRO) Programme
Exeter or Bristol HQ | Shape the future of water for our region
At South West Water, we’re more than a water company — we’re guardians of one of life’s most precious resources. As we deliver one of the largest water supply programmes in our history, we’re looking for an exceptional PMO Manager to help lead the Strategic Resource Option (SRO) Programme and drive meaningful change across our organisation and the wider Pennon Group.
About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our SRO Programme. Reporting to the Programme Director, you’ll lead a high-performing PMO function that ensures our projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with our strategic priorities and regulatory frameworks.
You’ll inspire teams, champion innovation, and embed best-in-class project governance — helping us deliver sustainable water solutions for generations to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our PMO Manager, you will:
Lead & Inspire
Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams, partners, and stakeholders
Champion a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement
Act as a key member of the SRO leadership team, deputising for the Programme Director when required
Drive Excellence in Delivery
Lead and develop a centralised PMO function supporting a complex portfolio of strategic projects
Establish and embed project standards, frameworks, tools, and governance
Oversee portfolio performance, prioritisation, and resource planning
Manage risks, issues, and escalations to keep delivery on track
Enable Transformation
Drive organisational change aligned to Ofwat and RAPID frameworks
Evolve systems, processes, and ways of working in response to a dynamic regulatory landscape
Provide strategic insight and advice to senior leadership and the Board
Deliver Impact
Monitor programme performance through dashboards and executive reporting
Ensure alignment with regional water planning and delivery models
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Expertise
Extensive experience in project/programme management
People management experience
Proven track record delivering large, complex infrastructure programmes (ideally in water or regulated sector)
Strong background in PMO leadership, governance and portfolio management
Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic delivery
Qualifications
PMP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent (essential)
Degree-level education (Master’s desirable)
Lean Six Sigma or similar (desirable)
Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term outcomes
Exceptional organisational and communication skills
Collaborative, resilient, and adaptable
Passion for driving change and delivering measurable results
Why Join Us?
At South West Water, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Help deliver critical infrastructure that supports communities and the environment
Lead transformation in a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation
Work alongside passionate people who put customers and colleagues first
Shape innovative solutions to future water challenges
We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive — and where your ideas can make a real difference.
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 PMO Manager, you'll enjoy:
Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role
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
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re motivated by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to lead at scale — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help secure water for the future.
Closing Date: 29th 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
Salary description
£75000.00 - £95000.00 per year