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.

Commercial Manager

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Commercial Manager, £50,00-£60,000 pa to play a key role in delivering our commercial management strategy across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a high-impact role, working across high-volume operational activities and complex, high-value capital schemes, helping ensure best value, strong supplier relationships, and robust commercial governance.

Key Responsibilities

As Commercial Manager, you will:

• Deliver the objectives of the commercial management strategy across assigned contracts.

• Administer and optimise NEC4 contracts, from routine works to one-off, high-value projects.

• Build and maintain trusted, collaborative relationships with supply chain partners.

• Lead commercial processes including change control, valuations, dispute management, and final accounts.

• Assess and certify completed works, payments, and performance-related incentives.

• Monitor, forecast, and report on contract performance to support informed decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to drive efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement across contracts and processes.

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from candidates with:

• A strong background in commercial management and contract administration, ideally under NEC4.

• Solid financial and analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into clear commercial insight.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence, negotiate, and challenge constructively.

• Proven experience managing disputes and resolving complex commercial issues.

• A degree (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying, Contract Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Desirable: Chartered status (RICS) or working towards it, and/or experience within the utilities or water industry.

Why Join South West Water?

• Play a pivotal role in projects that impact millions of customers and protect the environment.

• Join a supportive, values-led organisation that champions collaboration and innovation.

• Benefit from a flexible and hybrid working model.

• Receive a competitive salary, car allowance, pension, and a wide range of lifestyle benefits.

• Be part of a business that actively invests in your professional growth and development.

What's in it for you

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

• A discretionary Bonus

• A car allowance

• Competitive Contributory Pension

• Share-save Scheme

• Various health benefits

• Wellbeing support programmes

• A range of Group Discounts

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Financial support services

• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 11th February

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.