Project Manager/Assistant Project Manager - Engineering

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.
South West Water is preparing for AMP8 and seeking talented professionals to help deliver vital infrastructure and environmental projects across the region.
We are committed to delivering what matters most to customers and communities across the South West. Our record level of investment will see further improvement across the main customer priorities.
We’ve already started work on projects that will dramatically reduce the use of storm overflows, helping to improve bathing water quality. We’re also finding ways to strengthen water resilience, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water in years to come, even with the challenges of population growth and climate change. Find out more about our projects here - Engineering projects | About Us | South West Water
As an Engineering Project Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of small to medium value projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. You will work across a variety of disciplines and collaborate with internal teams, contractors and partners to ensure successful project outcomes.
What you'll be doing:
Manage multiple fast‑paced construction and engineering projects simultaneously, from design through to delivery.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and oversee the execution of works on clean and wastewater operational sites.
Ensure all projects meet South West Water’s quality, safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
Provide clear, confident communication to stakeholders at all levels.
Attend operational and construction sites, offering hands‑on support and ensuring compliance with H&S requirements.
Utilise Microsoft tools for project tracking, reporting and documentation.
Support mobilisation of temporary works and out-of-hours emergency responses when required.
Apply working knowledge of NEC contracts and CDM regulations (desirable).
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven ability to work effectively under pressure.
Quick, lateral thinker with strong problem-solving capability.
Resourceful and proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong time management, capable of overseeing a high volume of rapid‑turnaround projects.
Hands-on experience in the Construction or Water Industry with working knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
Mechanical
Electrical
Instrumentation
Control & Automation
Civils
Process/Scientific
Clean/Wastewater site management
Competent use of Microsoft tools (Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
Full UK driving licence and physical fitness for attending construction and operational sites.
Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements within the construction industry.
Desirable Knowledge & Qualifications
NEC contract awareness.
Experience mobilising temporary works solutions.
CDM awareness.
Understanding of WIMES/CESWI standards.
Closing Date: 27th February 2026
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.

- Division
- South West Water
- Department
- Engineering, Technical and Scientific
- Locations
- Exeter (Peninsula House)
- Employment type
- Full-time
About South West Water
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.