Capital Director

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.

We are looking for an exceptional Capital Director to lead the strategic delivery of a £3.2bn capital investment programme (2025–2030), driving the future of water and wastewater infrastructure.

This is a critical executive leadership role, reporting to the Chief Asset Officer you will be responsible for ensuring our capital portfolio delivers safe, compliant, resilient, and affordable services for customers—while meeting ambitious regulatory, environmental, and operational outcomes for AMP8 and beyond.

You’ll provide oversight of major programmes and champion best-in-class project, programme, and portfolio management across the organisation.

What you'll be doing

Lead Capital Programme Delivery

• Oversee a complex portfolio of major capital programmes (c. £750m per annum)

• Ensure delivery against cost, schedule, quality, and performance targets

• Drive excellence in health & safety, environmental compliance, and sustainability

Governance & Assurance

• Chair key governance forums and ensure robust control frameworks

• Maintain regulatory, audit, and assurance readiness across all programmes

Commercial & Supply Chain Strategy

• Define and deliver commercial strategies, including alliancing and delivery models

• Build high-performing, collaborative partner ecosystems

• Ensure strong risk management and value for money

Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a senior interface with regulators, including Ofwat

• Support business planning and price review processes

• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders, partners, and communities

Leadership & Culture

• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams

• Build capability across programme delivery, digital, and carbon management

• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement

What we're looking for

Experience

• Extensive senior leadership experience delivering large-scale capital programmes

• Background in regulated infrastructure environments (e.g., water, utilities, transport, or energy)

• Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, asset management, and governance

• Proven track record in driving performance, efficiency, and innovation

• Experience working with complex stakeholder landscapes

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Asset Management, Business Planning, or a related discipline

• Professional accreditation (e.g., IAM, ICE, CIWEM) is desirable

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

  … and much more!

Closing Date: 19th 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.