Head of Wastewater Asset Strategy & Planning

Job Title: Head of Wastewater Asset Strategy & Planning

Location: Hybrid working between our office in either Durrington or Falmer, and working from home.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: Salary commensurate to experience + £500 monthly car allowance, single PMI and up to 20% bonus.

Job Overview

With AMP8 now underway, Southern Water is entering a pivotal phase of transformation and investment. As part of this journey, we are excited to announce a key leadership opportunity: Head of Wastewater Asset Strategy & Planning.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of our wastewater operations, responsible for leading a team of 25 professionals to develop and implement regional asset strategies across our 360 sewerage catchment systems. You will ensure our plans meet environmental standards, customer expectations, and long-term business objectives, while responding to the challenges of climate change, population growth, and evolving regulatory requirements.

Reporting directly to the Wastewater MD and sitting on the Wastewater Leadership Team, you will shape the future of wastewater asset planning at Southern Water—translating strategic goals into credible, affordable, and deliverable plans that improve asset health and performance.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to

• Lead the development of long-term, integrated wastewater asset strategies aligned with business outcomes and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee the creation of holistic execution plans for the four Strategic Wastewater Programmes, ensuring alignment with TotEx principles and regional needs.
• Prioritise and brief high-quality Programme Initiation Briefs into delivery, working closely with delivery teams to optimise execution.
• Champion asset management principles across the Wastewater directorate, including the development of Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs).
• Provide business sponsorship for the Wastewater TotEx programme and support the development of the Wastewater Price Review (PRXX) and annual Execution Plans.
• Analyse asset performance and root causes to inform investment and operational decisions.
• Lead regulatory and stakeholder engagement, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and performance commitments.
• Manage the Wastewater Planning function, including team leadership, budget oversight, and resource planning.
• Advise the executive team and board on strategic risks and investment priorities.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic leader with sound experience in wastewater operations and asset management. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills to support executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• A track record in capital solution development and delivery, with the ability to challenge technical and value-based decisions.
• In-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape, including Ofwat, EA, and DWI requirements.
• Chartered status or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience in risk-based planning and long-term forecasting.
• Strong business management capabilities, including budget control and performance monitoring.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working.

We are offering a competitive salary commensurate to 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.