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 opportunity for an experienced and driven Head Of Operational Cost Efficiency to join our Water Services Directorate in Exeter. You will receive a competitive salary plus a generous car allowance and excellent benefits package.
About the role:
In this newly created leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a culture of efficiency ensuring all Water Services functions utilise resource, materials and spend efficiently.
You will be accountable for creating a transparent environment for the successful implementation of operational efficiencies, including with our delivery partners and supply chain.
This leadership role is pivotal in supporting the business to create a culture of efficiency and innovation, as well as driving wider change and improvement to the services we provide to our customers across our Water Services regions.
What you'll be doing:
- Redesigning, re-evaluating, and reframing supply chain arrangements to achieve a transformation in cost base and services, ensuring value for money and alignment to business needs.
- Leading the 2026 NMSC and NSA contract renewals across all Operating Areas for the Water and Wastewater framework, implementing a new approach to supply chain management and cost structures.
- Ensuring delivery of robust project reporting rhythms and associated reporting material
- Conducting robust reviews and challenges of project spend to resolve cost anomalies, challenge methodology, and accuracy of forecast information, and drive robust financial control.
- Driving implementation of cultural change focusing on quality, cost, and delivery, embedding a continuous improvement ethos.
- Developing and leading a highly capable team that supports the drive for operational efficiency.
- Defining consistent programme architecture, translating initiatives into projects, and establishing and maintaining governance processes.
- Ensuring a defined and common approach to project management, risk monitoring, and benefit tracking.
- Setting and maintaining appropriate agendas for steering committees and senior management through to Exec level.
- Leading change management and support communication plans to successfully drive operational efficiency forward.
- Ensuring the ongoing performance management of workstream sponsors, leads, and initiative owners towards successful execution of operational efficiency goals.
- Determining and confirming procurement processes to support the delivery of required programmes.
- Ensuring Financial and Commercial Managers capture deliverables and provide accurate cost reporting.
- Managing supply chain and delivery partners to establish professional and collaborative relationships, maximising operational efficiency.
What we are looking for:
- Operational Experience
- People management and development
- Proven collaboration capability
- Budget Management
- Cost efficiency delivery
- Contractor management at a senior level
- Data analysis
- Commercial contract cost savings
What's in it for you:
- A company car or cash for car allowance
- A company bonus
- Private Medical Insurance
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Invest in Pennon through our employee Sharesave scheme
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, with an option to buy / sell leave offering you extra flexibility
- Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
- Shared parental leave
- Look after your wellbeing through our Champion Health support platform
- Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
- Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, online retailer, travel, eating out, cinema, gyms and more through Perkbox
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing support and development 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:
Closing Date: Monday 31st March 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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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.
