The Role
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Digital & IT Programme Manager in our IT team based in our Exeter office. This role is on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £62,000 - £70,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
The role
As Digital & IT Programme Manager you will be aligned to IT Operations to provide strategic and tactical IT delivery and support services. Acting as an account manager, you will build strong relationships to understand business needs and regulatory goals, ensuring timely responses. You'll promote appropriate technology investments and assess opportunities and risks to support balanced delivery programs for the Pennon Group.
This is a great opportunity where you will have opportunity to take full accountability for planning, structuring, leading and executing high risk and complex delivery.
What you’ll be doing
- Build strong relationships with business leads in your aligned area.
- Provide timely, strategic responses to both immediate and long-term business needs.
- Support the development of strategic Digital and IT delivery programmes aligned with regulatory and business objectives.
- Define programme scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior IT and business stakeholders.
- Manage internal and external resources effectively to meet delivery goals.
- Champion best practices in Digital and IT programme and project management through strong governance.
- Drive continuous improvement in Digital and IT processes, policies, and standards across Pennon Group.
- Estimate and secure necessary resources, advising on the most suitable sourcing strategies.
- Prepare, submit, and manage budgets, recommending adjustments as needed.
- Collaborate with other departments to acquire required personnel when necessary.
- Leverage relationships with strategic partners to ensure successful programme delivery.
- Lead all phases of the IT delivery lifecycle—from planning and design to implementation and transition to support.
- Mentor and guide project teams throughout the delivery lifecycle.
- Proactively identify and manage programme risks and issues to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
- Manage dependencies with other internal and external programmes as required.
What we’re looking for
- Experience delivering IT programmes
- Degree-level education (or equivalent) with PRINCE2 and MSP (or similar) certifications.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and deliver successful programmes in medium/large organisations on time, within budget, and to quality standards
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing suppliers and third parties
- Skilled in applying governance best practices across Digital and IT projects
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills at senior levels
- Strong problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making capabilities, customer-focused, taking ownership to resolve issues effectively
- Experience in delivering complex technical infrastructure programmes.
- IaaS and PaaS Architecture
- Good understanding of technical standards.
- ITSM and COBIT Frameworks
- Secure by Design approaches.
- End user delivery and enhancing the experience.
- Desirable Qualifications
- Ideally qualifications in ITIL, COBIT or previous technology-based accreditation
What's in it for you
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
- In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing date: 17th July 2025
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity 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.
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The Company
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
