Head of Asset Data Platforms

Job Title: Head of Asset Data Platforms

Location: We offer hybrid working as standard and can be flexible with base location across our region: Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus £500 monthly car allowance, up to 20% bonus, and single cover private medical insurance

Job Overview

Southern Water is undergoing a bold transformation, investing £7.8bn in AMP8 to deliver a generational shift in water and wastewater services. As part of this journey, we’re looking for a strategic and creative leader to join our Digital team as Head of Asset Data Platforms.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of our operational technology landscape, responsible for the end-to-end management of critical platforms supporting our water and wastewater operations—including GIS, inventory, and asset systems. You’ll lead the development and execution of platform strategies that enable innovation, efficiency, and resilience across our water and wastewater services.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the full lifecycle of wholesale platforms, from design and build to support and decommissioning.
• Develop and maintain platform vision and roadmaps aligned with Southern Water’s digital strategy and architectural standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Waste, Water, and Capital Investment to maximise platform value and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Manage service capacity and performance, using data-driven insights to guide investment and stability improvements.
• Lead change management across platforms, ensuring seamless delivery of new features and updates.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and agile delivery within the team.
• Oversee supplier relationships and ensure high-quality service delivery from third-party vendors.
• Own and optimise value streams linked to platform operations, ensuring measurable business impact.

About You

We’re looking for a dynamic leader with solid experience in asset platform management and digital transformation.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience managing GIS and inventory platforms in complex organisations (Esri / Maximo experience advantageous!)
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence across business and digital teams.
• Expertise in strategic roadmap development and platform lifecycle management.
• Experience in vendor management, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for driving innovation and continuous improvement in high performing teams.
• Ability to assess and manage technical debt and platform risk.

What’s in it for You?

We offer a competitive package and a flexible working environment designed to support your career and wellbeing. This role attracts a £500 monthly car allowance, bonus up to 20%, single cover PMI and a variety of other benefits including:

• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Health benefits through a Cash Plan
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• 25 days annual leave + 2 paid volunteering days
• Occupational health service
• Retail discounts and savings
• Study support for job-related qualifications
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and flexible return-to-work options

Why Southern Water?

Southern Water is leading the way in transforming Britain’s water industry. With a clear vision, significant investment, and a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking leadership team at a time of significant change, where your expertise will shape strategic decisions and drive long-term value. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowering every individual to thrive.

This is more than a role—it’s a chance to lead, innovate, and make a difference. Apply now and be part of our transformational journey.