South West Water
Software Engineering Manager
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Software Engineering Manager
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Software Engineering Manager
Location: Bristol HQ or Exeter HQ
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (dependent on experience)
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across stunning UK landscapes. Part of Pennon Group, we’re committed to a greener future—planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and improving water quality and wildlife alongside partners.
After all, whether you’re starting out or seeking a fresh challenge, our scale and purpose create opportunities to shape your career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team.
About the Role
As Software Engineering Manager, you will lead the delivery, long-term ownership, and continuous evolution of critical software platforms supporting core business operations. Your responsibilities include ensuring new development, enhancements, and change management projects proceed smoothly, while maintaining secure, reliable, and compliant platforms in a regulated environment.
You’ll balance technical leadership, delivery oversight, governance, and people management to guarantee our platforms—from custom applications, APIs, and low-code tools to legacy systems—remain secure, resilient, and future-proof.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute a software platform strategy and roadmap, spanning custom development, APIs, low-code solutions, and legacy systems
- Lead high-quality, predictable delivery of software changes across internal teams, citizen developers, and third-party suppliers
- Own and prioritise the development backlog, balancing business needs with stability, risk management, and innovation
- Establish governance frameworks for low-code and citizen-developer initiatives to ensure scalable, safe adoption
- Oversee the responsible adoption of AI capabilities within solutions
- Maintain architectural integrity, security posture, and compliance standards across all products
- Manage legacy systems, including modernisation and sunsetting strategies
- Uphold reliable platform operations and system performance
- Lead and developing high-performing engineering teams, fostering collaboration with partners
- Control and optimise platform costs and toolchain spend
- Provide trans родительства (whitespace removed)ਸ਼ are in regular use in this job description:
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- Deliver clear reporting on delivery status, platform health, and risk assessments
Requirements
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Proven record of leading enterprise software platforms and delivery governance (non-hands-on focus)
- Experience managing diverse development ecosystems, including custom applications, packaged solutions, and low-code tools
- Strong background in backlog management, roadmapping, and delivery oversight (preferably in Agile or hybrid methodologies)
- Experience with AI governance and enterprise adoption strategies
- Track record of leading cross-functional teams and third-party suppliers
- Familiarity with regulated or operationally critical environments
Essential Credentials
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Certifications in one or more of:
- Agile, Scrum, SAFe
- PRINCE2
- MSP
- (or equivalent project management frameworks)
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
Desirable Qualifications
- Relevant cloud or platform-specific certifications
- Experience governing scalable low-code and AI solutions
Benefits
Joining South West Water means contributing to the reliable service that keeps the South West connected—while enjoying a fulfilling, rewarding career.
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Comprehensive rewards include:
- Competitive Salary – Aligned with experience and skills
- Mobility Support:
- Choice of company car or car allowance
- Financial Rewards:
- Annual Bonus Scheme (tied to company performance)
- Pension Scheme (enabling long-term security)
- Work-Life Balance:
- Flexible working options, including hybrid roles where applicable
- Employee Discounts (on a range of products/services)
- Health & Wellbeing:
- Access to employee assistance programmes
- Generous annual leave entitlements (充足節日/keeps you re-charged)
- Membership of an Impactful Organisation – Leading change across environmental, operational, and community health initiatives
Closing & Notes
- Closing Date: 16th July 2026. This may be extended if applications peak early—apply early to avoid disappointment.
- Per onboarding procedures, the successful candidate will undergo a mandatory DBS check.
Why We’re Different
Be yourself. We like it: Together, we foster a culture where belonging is instinctive. Diversity reflects the communities we serve, strengthens our impact, and aligns with our three core values:
- Be Rock Solid – Build trust. Be the dependable architect of confidence.
- Be You – Bring your authentic self to work. Your individual mark drives us forward.
- Be the Future – Embrace change. Own challenges. Drive progress.
We’re responsible for delivering safe water and wastewater to 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly, and parts of Dorset and Somerset. Every day, we’re in the field fixing leaks, unblocking sewers—and constantly innovating. We are a company built on reliability and purpose, dedicated to helping people realise what’s next.
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