Drought Resilience Manager

Pennon Group; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A key water services provider seeks a Drought Resilience Manager to lead drought preparedness strategies in the South West. This role involves developing and implementing the Water Company Drought Plan, managing assessments of drought risks, and coordinating response strategies. Candidates should demonstrate experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and drought management. The position offers a salary of £45,000 - £55,000 with opportunities for career growth and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

26 days holiday rising to 30

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional progression routes

Generous contributory pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Share save scheme

Subsidised healthcare benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective drought plans.
• Strong background in strategic planning and data analysis.
• In-depth understanding of drought-related policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the Water Company Drought Plan tailored to the South West region.
• Coordinate comprehensive assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities.
• Manage activation of drought response plans and resources.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Project management

Financial budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Drought response coordination

Job 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 goal? Net zero by 2030, supported by partnerships with Wildlife Trusts and National Parks.

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 currently have an opportunity for aDrought Resilience Manager, with a salary of £45,000 - £55,000 a year to join our Water Resources team working in either Exeter or Bristol. As Drought Resilience Manager you will develop, implement and oversee drought preparedness and response strategies, covering the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions.

You will have opportunity to take a lead role on the development of the Water Company Drought Plan, our annual review of the Water Company Drought Plan and lead drought exercises to improve our preparedness for drought.

You will take a leading role in coordinating drought response efforts and engage stakeholders to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of water scarcity.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Water Company Drought Plan (WCDP), tailored to the South West region's specific needs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with industry best practices.

• Coordinate comprehensive assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities with the WR Strategy and Modelling teams, oversee data analysis and modelling efforts, and ensure mitigation strategies are developed for identified impacts.

• Conduct annual drought readiness reviews, update the WCDP based on findings, and organize drought exercises to test preparedness.

• Oversee the assessment of short- and long-term drought prospects, ensuring timely updates to the WCDP.

• Engage proactively with regulators and internal stakeholders to strengthen confidence in drought readiness.

• Provide oversight for drought readiness improvement plans, evaluating strategy effectiveness, analysing outcomes, and recommending enhancements.

• Manage the activation of drought response plans, ensuring resource deployment, communication, and coordination among teams and external partners.

• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and research in drought management to integrate innovative solutions and best practices into strategies.

• Represent the organization in National Drought groups, oversee reporting, and prepare required content.

What We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective drought plans, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, or driving innovative solutions to address water scarcity challenges.

• Strong background in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and financial budgeting within water resources planning and management.

• In-depth understanding of drought-related policies, regulations, and best practices, along with experience navigating regulatory frameworks.

• Familiarity with environmental and ecosystem impacts of water resource management and an understanding of social and equity considerations.

• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make evidence-based decisions in complex situations.

• Proven track record in building strong external relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining effective communication with regulators and stakeholders.

• Flexibility to work in dynamic environments, adapt to changing priorities, and participate in emergency response activities, including occasional travel and fieldwork.

• A dynamic and motivated leader in water resources with a clear vision, proven strategic leadership in water resource planning, and strong influencing skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.

What's In It For You?

• This isn’t just a job, this is a career; the opportunities to develop and grow your career with us are endless. Alongside ongoing training and development opportunities we offer some great benefits:

• 26 days holiday allowance rising to 30 days plus bank holidays

• Hybrid working arrangements

• Professional progression routes

• Generous contributory pension scheme

• Discretionary bonus

• Share save scheme

• Subsidised healthcare benefits

• Plus, many more!

Closing Date:

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.

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