Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director in Exeter
Job Description
Powered by Water, Driven by PurposeSouth 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.Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director (SRO Programme)Location: Bristol or ExeterBusiness Area: Strategic Resource Options (SRO) ProgrammeSouth West Water is delivering a once-in-a-generation programme of investment to secure long-term water resilience across our region. We are seeking an exceptional Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director to lead the engineering delivery of our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) portfolio - a circa £4bn programme of nationally significant major infrastructure projects.This is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering complex, high-profile water resource schemes through the Major Water Infrastructure Programme . You will lead integrated, cross-functional teams and ensure successful outcomes from design through to delivery and operational readiness.What You'll Be DoingAs our Major Projects Engineering Delivery Director, you will: Lead end-to-end engineering and technical delivery across the SRO portfolioDrive value engineering, innovation and design excellence to maximise customer and environmental outcomesProvide leadership across engineering, environmental, planning, land, stakeholder and operational functionsEnsure robust governance, compliance, and Board-level reporting across all programmesOversee commercial performance and programme controls, aligned with NEC frameworksBuild and manage senior stakeholder relationships, including RAPID, Ofwat, EA and Natural EnglandEnsure health & safety excellence remains the top priority in all activitiesDevelop high-performing, inclusive teams and foster a strong delivery cultureEnsure alignment with group strategy, sustainability commitments and long-term planningWhat we're looking for We are looking for a strategic, delivery-focused leader with:Essential Experience Extensive experience in engineering/programme leadership within major infrastructure (water, utilities, energy)Proven track record delivering multi-million-pound major infrastructure programmes in regulated environmentsStrong experience delivering within the Major Water Infrastructure Programme.Demonstrable success in leading complex, cross-functional teamsDeep understanding of health & safety, governance, and commercial controlsQualifications Degree in Engineering or related fieldExtensive experience in programme leadership, including holding senior leadership positionsFull UK Driving LicenceDesirable Chartered status (ICE, CIWEM, APM or equivalent)Experience in contract management and NEC frameworksKey Behaviours Collaborative Leader - builds alignment across diverse teams and functionsDecisive & Accountable - takes ownership and drives resultsInfluential Communicator - confident at Board and executive levelEthical & Values-Driven - leads with integrity and transparencyWhy This Role?This is a unique opportunity to: Lead high-impact, nationally significant infrastructure projectsPlay a pivotal role in securing future water resilience for our regionWork closely with executive leadership and key external stakeholdersContribute to a purpose-led organisation focused on sustainability and innovationWhat's in it for you:We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including: 30 days annual leave + bank holidaysBonus PlanPrivate HealthcareCompany car or cash for car allowanceCompetitive contributory pensionShare-save schemeHealth benefits & wellbeing support programmesGroup discountsCycle to Work schemeFinancial support servicesDevelopment and training opportunities...
and much more!Interested?If you're ready to take on a defining leadership role in one of the UK's most important infrastructure programmes, we'd love to hear from you..Closing Date: 6th July 2026We 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 is instinctive.
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.TPBN1_UKTJ