Closing Date

Job Title: Project Engineer - Water Networks

Location: Sussex, Hampshire or Kent
Salary: up to £40,000 depending on experience

Southern Water is seeking a skilled and proactive Project Engineer to lead the delivery of reactive and planned maintenance works across our trunk mains network. This role is central to ensuring water quality, asset reliability, and regulatory compliance-while driving cost efficiency and minimising customer impact.

Role Overview

As Project Engineer, you'll coordinate site activities, manage contractor performance, and ensure that all works (from valve maintenance to water quality improvements) are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with Southern Water's standards. You'll be the operational lead for reactive CAPEX projects, working closely with internal teams and external partners to maximise asset availability and reduce leakage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of reactive and planned maintenance works under DMC PRNs
• Conduct condition assessments and ensure valves and air valves meet operational standards
• Collaborate with Asset Maintenance teams and contractors for risk-based maintenance
• Evaluate and prioritise proposed works based on necessity and strategic impact
• Monitor progress, mitigate delays, and ensure delivery to specification
• Govern work and purchase orders, ensuring budget alignment and proper authorisation
• Resolve contractor issues and manage project risks from initiation to completion
• Provide accurate reporting to stakeholders and regulators
• Drive cost savings across Opex and Capex budgets

What You'll Bring

Technical & Industry Expertise

• Experience in the utility sector, ideally water or infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of construction practices and contractor management
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and maintenance delivery models

Project & Financial Acumen

• Certification in Project Management (APM, PRINCE2) or Engineering (HNC, NVQ)
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and project scope
• Financially aware with a track record of delivering cost-effective solutions

Regulatory & Operational Insight

• Understanding of water industry regulations and health & safety legislation
• Experience managing reactive works and asset-specific challenges

Problem Solving & Leadership

• Resilient and proactive in resolving complex delivery issues
• Strong judgement in balancing safety, cost, and customer impact
• Ability to influence contractor behaviour and drive continuous improvement

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to engage effectively with contractors, Field Performance Managers, and internal teams

Why Join Southern Water?

We're committed to delivering water for life. Join a team that values innovation, safety, and collaboration. You'll play a vital role in protecting our environment, supporting our customers, and shaping the future of water infrastructure.

Apply now and engineer a better tomorrow with Southern Water.