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.
This is a pivotal time for the water industry in England and Wales. Government have set stretching targets to protect and enhance the environment, and customers are engaging with water companies in new and important ways. The industry is responding with more than £90bn of investment between 2025 – 2030 (PR24), and sustained levels of investment up to 2050. This will see us deliver the largest capital infrastructure programme in the UK, and transform the quality of water in rivers and at beaches.
In the South West we face unique challenges. We are home to some of the UK’s most treasured beaches and national parks, and benefit from 10 million visitors to our region annually. But our resident population also faces significant pressures, and we are in the midst of a nature and biodiversity crisis. The Government is rising to this challenge nationally, committing to re-shape how the water industry works in England. Now is the right time to influence the future of legislation and regulation for the water industry.
To help us rise to this challenge, the Regulation Policy Manager will help shape the future of water policy at a national level, and to provide technical expertise on economic and environmental regulation. This is a leadership role, requiring a good mix of technical expertise and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
About the team:
This role sits within our Strategy and Regulation team. Our Strategy and Regulation team sits at the heart of South West Water, coordinating the delivery of key programmes such as the current business plan for 2025-2030 (PR24), regulatory analysis and reporting, finance and governance. It is the home to economists, engineers, financial experts and regulatory analysts. You will play an active management role in the team.
The Regulation Policy Manager will support the Regulation and Policy team with analysis and briefing on the regulatory framework and government policy, which in turn will support the company in developing and delivering its business planning and strategic objectives. The postholder will also build and maintain relationships inside and outside of the business, and must therefore have strong diplomatic and convening skills and will be a good communicator. The role will underpin our efforts to shape the future of the water industry in England.
What you'll be doing:
- Build and maintain working-relationships internally and with regulators and government departments
- Lead the delivery of projects to shape the future regulatory framework, through engagement with industry, regulators and government departments
- Be ‘on-point’ as the business’ expert on regulatory requirements and regulatory reform
- Lead cross-sector projects to inform policy and regulation
- Lead the business’ responses to regulator and government consultations, ensuring responses are effective and timely
- Provide analysis and advice on compliance and regulatory performance matters
- Own and champion our internal correspondence system, to ensure that the business has its ‘finger on the pulse’ and can ‘lean in’ to upcoming changes in regulator and government policy
- Embodying our core values: Rock Solid, Be You and Be the Future.
- We expect everyone who works for us at Pennon to have the right and ability to return Home Safe and Well each and every day. As a Manager in the business this is your principle responsibility before all others.
What we are looking for:
- Experience in project management and delivery of complex multi-disciplinary projects
- Experience of leading responses to government and / or regulator consultations
- We're looking for someone who is passionate about creating a cleaner and greener future for South West Water
- Experience of managing multiple strands of work at the same time, and prioritising others time to deliver results
- Experience of communicating in writing and verbally for senior stakeholders internally and externally
- Experience of the policy-making cycle in government and / or a regulator
- This role is open to flexible working arrangements, including regular home working.
- Educated to degree level in a relevant field (e.g. politics, economics, or environmental science)
- Advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint presentation skills
- A background in government relations, campaigning, public affairs, or a similar discipline
- Experience in the water industry or in water policy
Closing date: 3rd 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.
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.
