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.

Drive operational excellence and commercial performance across a critical regional service

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded leader to join our Wastewater Operations team as Regional Bioresources Operations & Commercial Manager.

This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for the operational delivery and commercial performance of our bioresources activities, including sludge transport and treatment, tankered waste, combined heat and power (CHP) optimisation, and trade effluent services. You'll play a key role in ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and cost-effectively, while identifying opportunities to improve performance, maximise value and support future business priorities.

What you'll be doing:

As Regional Bioresources Operations & Commercial Manager, you will:

• Lead the regional delivery of bioresources services, including interworks, tankered waste and CHP operations.

• Drive commercial performance and revenue generation across bioresources and tankered waste activities.

• Own regional trade effluent performance, ensuring effective customer management, compliance and cost recovery.

• Act as the operational lead for key service contracts, ensuring high standards of delivery and performance.

• Monitor and report on operational efficiency, utilisation, costs and service outcomes, identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Optimise logistics, capacity and resource planning across the region to maximise efficiency and minimise costs.

• Work closely with operational teams, Area Managers and central functions to align priorities and deliver business objectives.

• Represent the business on industry forums and stakeholder groups, helping shape future strategy and best practice.

What we're looking for:

We're seeking a motivated leader with strong operational and commercial expertise who thrives on improving performance and delivering results.

Essential

• Significant experience within wastewater operations, bioresources, sludge management or a similarly complex operational environment.

• Demonstrable experience managing commercial or revenue-generating services.

• Proven leadership capability within the water sector or a related industry.

• Strong operational and commercial acumen.

• Experience managing performance across multiple sites, regions or operational teams.

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Desirable

• Experience of trade effluent management and regulatory frameworks.

• Budget management and financial accountability.

• Contract management and supplier performance experience.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead a strategically important operation that sits at the heart of our wastewater and environmental services. You'll have the autonomy to influence regional performance, drive operational improvements and deliver commercial value, while working alongside talented colleagues who are committed to providing essential services to customers across the South West. With exciting investment plans, a commitment to innovation and a focus on sustainability, there's never been a better time to join us.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Bonus

• 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!

Closing Date: 27th August 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.