Lead Regulatory Manager

Description:

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.

Lead Regulatory Manager – (SRO Programme)

Exeter or Bristol HQ | Deliver a nationally significant water infrastructure project

About the Role

South West Water is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Regulatory Manager to play a pivotal leadership role within our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme. Reporting to the SRO Programme Director, you will lead regulatory strategy, engagement and coordination across a portfolio of nationally significant water resource infrastructure projects.

This is a high-impact role at the heart of one of the UK water sector’s most critical programmes, supporting delivery through Ofwat’s Major Infrastructure delivery models (DPC/SIPR). You will act as the key interface between the programme and regulators, ensuring alignment with policy, governance and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy & Leadership

Develop and lead the overarching regulatory strategy for the SRO programme

Provide expert advice on regulatory frameworks, compliance and policy developments

Embed regulatory considerations into programme planning, investment cases and delivery strategies

Act as senior regulatory advisor to programme leadership

Support commercial and financial positioning, including risk, return and economic valuation

Regulatory Engagement & Stakeholder Management

Lead engagement with key regulators including Ofwat, Environment Agency, DWI and Natural England

Build trusted, collaborative relationships across regulatory bodies

Represent the programme in industry forums and regulatory discussions

Coordinate responses to consultations, reviews and regulatory enquiries

Regulatory Submissions & Assurance

Lead development of regulatory submissions, business cases and assurance documentation

Ensure accurate and timely reporting across programme milestones

Coordinate cross-functional inputs into regulatory deliverables

Support gateway reviews and investment approvals

Monitor regulatory changes and assess impacts on programme delivery

Programme Integration & Governance

Embed regulatory requirements across engineering, commercial, environmental and programme teams

Provide insight into governance processes, risks and decision-making

Track and manage regulatory commitments and obligations

Identify and mitigate risks affecting programme delivery

Leadership & Capability

Provide leadership across regulatory activities within the SRO programme

Build regulatory capability across multi-disciplinary teams

Promote a proactive, collaborative engagement culture

Drive continuous improvement and best practice in regulatory management

About You

Experience

Proven experience within a regulated utility environment, preferably water

Extensive experience in economic regulation or similar field

People management experience/ previous experience in a senior leadership role

Experience supporting major infrastructure or capital programmes

Strong track record of managing complex regulatory relationships

Skills

Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving capability

Excellent communication and influencing skills, including Board-level engagement

Ability to simplify complex regulatory frameworks and issues

Strong stakeholder management and collaboration capability

Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-accountability environments

Qualifications

Essential:

Degree in Economics, Policy, Business Management or related discipline

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and infrastructure planning

Professional qualification in economics, finance or related field

Desirable:

Postgraduate qualification

Leadership or project management qualifications

Experience with data analysis and regulatory investigations

Membership of a relevant professional body

Why Join South West Water?

Be part of a nationally significant programme shaping the future of water resources

Influence policy, regulation and infrastructure delivery at senior level

Work within a collaborative, purpose-driven environment

Make a real impact on resilience, sustainability and customer outcomes

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 Lead Regulatory 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 assi

Closing Date: 29th 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