Southern Water
Innovation Project Manager
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Closing Date
13/08/2026
Innovation Project Manager – Wastewater
Location: Falmer - Hybrid - 3 office/site remaining WFH - Driving licence essential
Contract Type: Fixed term contract - Ending April 2027
Hours: Full time
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
About the Role
Southern Water is looking for an Innovation Project Manager to support and lead innovation projects across our wastewater business.
This is a hybrid role that combines project delivery with technical subject matter expertise. You will help develop and deliver innovation projects that align with our business priorities and support better outcomes for our customers, communities and the environment.
You will work closely with internal teams, delivery partners, suppliers, other water companies, academics and research organisations. You will help make sure our innovation portfolio reflects the latest ideas, trends and technologies in the water industry.
The role will focus on three key areas: technical assurance, project management and stakeholder engagement.
What You Will Be Responsible For:
- Lead and deliver wastewater innovation projects, making sure they are aligned to business priorities and deliver clear benefits.
- Provide technical assurance for new concepts, ideas and projects, including developing project scopes, plans and benefit assessments.
- Manage project delivery, including budgets, milestones, risks, governance, reporting and benefit tracking.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, other water companies, academics and research organisations to support innovation and adoption.
- Promote innovation work across the business and externally through steering groups, technical working groups, trade press, conferences and technical journals.
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What You’ll Bring to the Role:
Essential
- Experience working within utilities, preferably within the water industry.
- Experience working in innovation, research and development, or a similar technical project environment.
- Technical knowledge of water and/or wastewater operations, capital delivery or assets.
- Strong project management skills, including planning, risk management, reporting and budget tracking.
- Good stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships across technical and operational teams.
Desirable
- Degree-level qualification in a scientific, engineering or related discipline.
About 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 professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence key decisions and support long-term value creation.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
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We understand that great talent comes in many forms. If this role excites you and you share our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our communities, please apply, even if your experience does not perfectly match every requirement. We’ll support your growth and development.
If this role is not quite what you are looking for but you are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: 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 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.
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