SRO Environment Lead

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.

Environmental Lead – Strategic Resource Options (SRO)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Environmental Lead to join our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) team. This is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the environmental strategy for some of the most complex and high\-profile water resource projects across South West Water and the wider Pennon Group.

As Environmental Lead, you will provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and leadership across multi\-partner programmes designed to secure long\-term, resilient water supplies in the face of climate change, population growth, and increasing environmental pressures.

This role sits at the heart of ensuring our SRO programme not only meets statutory and regulatory requirements, but also sets a benchmark for environmental protection, enhancement, and sustainability—enabling successful project delivery while placing nature at the centre of decision\-making.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Environmental Leadership

• Lead and define the environmental ambition for SROs, aligning with water resource plans and national policy


• Ensure environmental considerations are embedded early in feasibility, design, and appraisal


• Shape innovative, sustainable, and resilient water resource solutions

• Act as the senior environmental interface with regulators (Environment Agency, Natural England, Ofwat)


• Provide leadership across RAPID and Ofwat gated processes


• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits, and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements

• Oversee environmental assessments (EIA, HRA, WFD, BNG) across programmes


• Champion robust data, mitigation strategies, and a mitigation hierarchy approach


• Integrate biodiversity, natural capital, and ecosystem resilience into project design

• Represent South West Water in regional and national forums


• Build strong relationships with partners, regulators, NGOs, and communities


• Support transparent engagement with stakeholders impacted by SRO development

• Advise senior leadership and Board\-level stakeholders on environmental matters


• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams across organisations and consultancies


• Build internal capability and provide technical oversight across all environmental activity

What experience you’ll bring

• 15\+ years’ experience in environmental leadership within water resources, infrastructure, or major programmes


• Strong technical expertise (e.g., environmental science, hydrology, ecology, water quality)


• Deep understanding of SROs, water resource planning, and UK environmental frameworks


• Proven experience working with regulators and navigating complex planning processes


• Strong track record delivering environmental assessments and RAPID gates


• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead across organisational boundaries

What you’ll need

Essential

• Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geography, or related field


• Chartered professional (e.g., CEnv, CIWEM, IEMA)


• Strong personal commitment to environmental sustainability


• Ability to travel across the South West

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline


• Experience working across regional partnerships or national programmes


• Strong negotiation and relationship\-building skills

What's in it for you:

We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:

• 30 days annual leave \+ bank holidays


• Bonus Plan


• 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

Closing Date: 9th June 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.

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