Project Manager

Closing Date

2026-08-28Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Chichester/Falmer

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary: From £55k based on skills and experience

 

About the role:

 

To provide project management assistance and coordination of primarily, the Water Mains Renewals Programme, ensuring that projects conform to the governance process and that projects are delivered on time and to appropriate standards.

 

The Project Manager will promote good practice in terms of project planning and control, in collaboration with both the customers, and colleagues within the Water and Capital Delivery Team that includes internal and external stakeholders.

 

What you will be responsible for:

 

The Project Manager will be part of Capital delivery which involves the planning, management, and execution of water infrastructure projects aimed at improving and maintaining water services across the Southern Water region.

 

This process is critical to ensuring that we can meet regulatory requirements, deliver reliable services to customers, and support environmental sustainability.  

This role is based in Chichester/Falmer however will include projects in the Isle of Wight & Hampshire.

 

• Project Oversight: Plan and manage design and construction programs to achieve business goals within schedule and budget.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and motivation to a team of professionals, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Risk Management: Implement and oversee project risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues and ensure project success.

• Stakeholder Management: Engage with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including customers, operations, and delivery partners, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Financial & Performance Reporting: Monitor project performance, and financial forecasting, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

 

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Preferred experience in Water infrastructure program and project delivery, particularly in the water or utilities industry.
• Experience of managing design and build contracts.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, with strong delegation and problem-solving skills.

 

Qualifications

 

Essential

• Project Management qualification and background

 

Desirable

• Construction background, water background

 

Certifications:

 

• APM Project Professional Qualification, Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner, and NEC for Project Managers. CITB SMSTS, IOSH

 

Skills & Competencies

• Understanding of industry wide best practice relating to project management
• Experience dealing with contractors/suppliers
• An ability to remain positive, with a ‘can do’ attitude and ability to find pragmatic solutions to challenges
• Responsible for managing risk and reporting against risk within the Action Plans produced, by identifying risks and potential impacts, and escalating as appropriate.
• High level of planning and scheduling skills, ensuring the complex activities of interrelated project teams are controlled, coordinated and linked into the overall programme.
• Good data handling and analytical skills.
• The ability to work to tight time pressures and to present clearly articulated reports and presentations is a key component of this role.
• Effective communications skills at all levels, ability to work effectively as part of a team. Strong influencing and persuasion skills required, e.g. to promote change, ensure governance.
• Full UK driving license 

 

Knowledge

• Understanding of industry wide best practice relating to project management
• Experience dealing with contractors/suppliers

 

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, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

 

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

 

Our Commitment to Diversity  

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

 

Additional information:  

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.  

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.  

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment.

 

Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.