Software Engineering Manager

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, 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.

Software Engineering Manager

Lead high-performing teams building impactful digital solutions

Location: Bristol HQ or Exeter HQ
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (dependent on experience)

Purpose of the Role

As Software Engineering Manager, you will lead both the delivery and long-term ownership of key software platforms and development services that support critical business operations. You will oversee new development, enhancements and change delivery, while ensuring platforms transition successfully into live service and continue to operate securely, reliably and effectively.

The role combines technology leadership, delivery oversight, governance, and people management. You will ensure our software platforms, development practices, citizen-led solutions, and AI-enabled capabilities remain secure, resilient, compliant, and fit for purpose in a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver a clear software platform strategy and roadmap across custom applications, APIs, low-code, 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, stability, risk, and innovation

• Establish governance for low-code and citizen development to enable safe, scalable use

• Oversee responsible adoption of AI-enabled capabilities

• Ensure architectural integrity, security, and compliance across all solutions

• Manage legacy systems, including modernisation and decommissioning plans

• Maintain reliable, resilient platform operations

• Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams and partners

• Control and optimise platform and tooling costs

• Provide clear reporting on delivery, risks, and platform health

Experience Required

• Proven leadership of enterprise software platforms and delivery governance (non-hands-on role)

• Experience managing mixed development ecosystems (custom, packaged, low-code)

• Strong background in backlog, roadmap, and delivery management (Agile or hybrid)

• Experience with AI governance and adoption in enterprise environments

• Track record leading multi-disciplinary teams and third-party suppliers

• Experience in regulated or operationally critical environments

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree-level or equivalent experience

• Certification in Agile, Scrum, SAFe, PRINCE2, MSP or similar

• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)

Desirable

• Relevant cloud/platform certifications

• Experience governing low-code and AI solutions at scale

What you’ll get

Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West.

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Software Engineering Manager you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills

• Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role

• Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance

• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future

• Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible

• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs

• Employee Discounts – On various products and services

• Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Ready to Make a Difference?

Closing Date: 16th July 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.