Head of Data, Analytics & AI

Job Title: Head of Data, Analytics and AI

Location: We offer a hybrid approach to working—typically 2-3 days in the office and 2-3 days from home each week. Your base location would be in Durrington, Worthing.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, alongside a £500 monthly car allowance, up to 20% bonus, and single cover private medical insurance.

Job Overview

As we accelerate our transformation to become a data-driven organisation, Southern Water is excited to announce a pivotal senior leadership opportunity: Head of Data, Analytics & AI.

In a rapidly evolving water sector—facing climate change, customer expectations, and technological innovation—this role is critical to shaping how we leverage data to deliver insight, improve operations, and create value. Reporting directly to the Digital Director, you will lead our organisation’s data transformation strategy, developing robust governance frameworks, scalable AI solutions, and meaningful analytics to empower smarter decision-making across the enterprise.

This is a unique opportunity to redefine how data and AI support Southern Water’s strategic priorities. You will manage a highly capable team covering Strategy, Transformation, Data Governance, Data Science, Analysis, and Engineering. If you're ready to lead our evolution from data collection to true data intelligence, this is your moment.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to

• Data Strategy & Transformation – Drive and execute a company-wide data and AI strategy aligned with Southern Water’s objectives, delivering a clear roadmap for transformation.
• Governance & Literacy – Establish and evolve policies and frameworks for data quality, stewardship, ownership, and ethical AI practices across the organisation.
• Advanced Analytics & Data Science – Develop and deliver cutting-edge AI/ML models and advanced analytics to solve real business problems and enhance customer outcomes.
• Data & Platform Engineering – Oversee the development of secure, scalable data platforms and robust pipelines to support business intelligence, automation, and analytics capabilities.
• Self-Service Enablement – Lead the development of federated analytics models and communities of practice, empowering departments to access and interpret data effectively.

About You

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data strategy, transformation, and emerging technologies. The following would be advantageous:

• A strong track record in leading data, analytics, or AI functions at an enterprise level, with a clear focus on innovation and business impact.
• Proven ability to shape strategy and influence at senior levels, balancing technology depth with commercial understanding.
• Strong technical knowledge of data governance, architecture, analytics platforms, cloud technologies, and machine learning techniques.
• Experience working with data privacy frameworks and sector-relevant compliance (e.g. GDPR).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills to inspire cross-functional teams and drive cultural adoption.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between our office in Durrington (Worthing) and home. Occasional travel to our site in Falmer will also be required.

We are offering a salary of up to depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance-related bonus

• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution

• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary

• Health benefits through a Cash Plan

• Two paid community volunteering days a year

• 25 days annual holiday

• Occupational health service

• Perkbox benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences

• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications

• We offer competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options

Join Southern Water and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers and the environment.

Why 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. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.

This is more than a role; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.