Head of Water Asset Network Programme

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

At Pennon Group, we’re proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power, we’re leading the way in water and renewables.

We’re proud to be recognised as a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure

We're looking for an exceptional Head of Water Asset Network Programme to lead the strategic management and long-term performance of our water network assets. This is a high-profile leadership opportunity to influence investment decisions, drive innovation, and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and resilient drinking water services for our customers.

As a key leader within our business, you will oversee the strategic planning, optimisation and lifecycle management of critical water infrastructure, including distribution networks, trunk mains, service reservoirs, pumping stations and associated assets. You will play a pivotal role in integrating smart network technologies and data-driven asset management approaches to support regulatory, customer and sustainability outcomes.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop and lead long-term asset strategies aligned to business objectives, regulatory requirements and future AMP investment cycles.

• Identify, prioritise and justify capital maintenance and enhancement investment across the water network asset base.

• Provide leadership and ownership of asset-related inputs into business planning and Price Review submissions.

• Sponsor major investment programmes through delivery and governance processes.

• Drive the implementation of Smart Network capabilities, leveraging digital technologies, real-time monitoring and automation to improve resilience and performance.

• Embed risk-based asset management practices, utilising asset health data and whole-life costing to optimise investment decisions.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, creating a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Work closely with operational, engineering, regulatory and financial stakeholders, as well as external regulators and industry partners.

• Drive sustainability initiatives and the adoption of innovative solutions across the asset portfolio.

What we are looking for:

You'll be an experienced asset management leader with a track record of delivering strategic outcomes in a regulated infrastructure environment.

We're particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Significant leadership experience in asset management within the water, utilities or infrastructure sectors.

• Deep knowledge of asset management frameworks such as ISO 55000 and risk-based investment planning.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including whole-life cost assessment and investment optimisation.

• Experience contributing to regulatory business planning processes such as AMP/Price Review cycles.

• Knowledge of asset management systems, GIS platforms and hydraulic modelling tools.

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation is desirable but would accept working towards or relevant experience.

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Environmental Science, Asset Management or a related discipline.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to directly influence the future resilience, sustainability and performance of a critical public service. You'll lead talented teams, shape multi-million-pound investment programmes, and help transform how water networks are managed through innovation and smart technologies.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Bonus

• Private Healthcare

• Company car or cash for car allowance

• Competitive contributory pension

• Share-save scheme

• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes

• Group discounts

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Financial support services

• Development and training opportunities
  … and much more!

Closing Date: 11th September 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

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.