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’re looking for an exceptional Head of Laboratory Services to lead and inspire our laboratory function, delivering high-quality, accredited analytical services that underpin safe drinking water and environmental excellence.

This is a strategic leadership role, where you’ll shape the future of laboratory services—ensuring regulatory compliance, driving innovation, and embedding a strong “Quality First” culture across the organisation.

The role will primarily based at our main laboratory in Exeter but the role encompasses leadership responsibility for our laboratory in Redhill and regular engagements with various teams in the South West, Bristol and Sutton and East Surrey operating regions.

What you’ll be doing:

As Head of Laboratory Services, you will:

• Lead, develop, and inspire laboratory teams to deliver high performance and continuous improvement

• Own and manage laboratory operations, budgets, and resources to drive efficiency and value

• Ensure compliance with key standards including ISO17025, DWTS, and MCERTS accreditation

• Drive a culture of excellence in analytical quality, safety, and customer service

• Oversee accurate reporting and data returns, ensuring robust regulatory compliance

• Work closely with internal teams, regulators, and external partners to deliver industry-leading outcomes

• Champion innovation and commercial growth, expanding laboratory services to internal and third-party customers

• Develop capability within the team through structured training and development programmes

What we’re looking for:

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (essential)

• Professional or management qualifications (desirable)

• Health & safety qualification (essential)

• Full UK driving licence

Experience

• Significant leadership experience (10+ years) in laboratory, scientific, or water quality environments

• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and deliver operational excellence

• Strong track record of working in highly regulated environments

• Deep understanding of laboratory quality systems (ISO17025 or similar)

• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• Passion for data accuracy, scientific integrity, and customer outcomes

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!

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact, purpose-driven function that protects public health and the environment, while shaping strategy, driving meaningful improvements across laboratory services, and working within a collaborative, innovative culture built on transparency and scientific excellence. Closing Date: 3rd 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.