Water Demand Strategy Manager

Supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come is our purpose and providing water services to our communities in the most efficient and sustainable way possible is what we do. Our commitment is to always deliver available and sufficient resources, this is what drives the Drought and Resilience Team and in doing so we want to ensure that we enhance our reputation with our customers, regulators and stakeholders. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

We currently have an opportunity for a Water Demand Strategy Manager to join our Water Resources team and lead the development and implementation of the Water Demand Strategy (all elements, including providing strategy outputs for our Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)), driving demand reductions aligned with strategic commitments, covering South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions. You will receive a competitive salary of circa £48,000 to £52,000 plus an excellent benefits package.

The Role

The Demand Team is responsible for the creation and continual review of the strategy for delivering the demand reductions set out in the Environment Act (including leakage, and HH and NHH per capita consumption), setting targets that are approved by the Executive and signed off as deliverable by delivery teams. The team provides technical leadership, strategy and monitoring for demand for the short, medium and long term (in year, in AMP to 50 years) and play a critical internal educative role around demand planning and delivery.

As Demand Strategy Manager you will be required to monitor and report delivery progress against the Demand Strategy, to include the completion of an annual performance review and associated strategy revisions in light of the findings of the review.

As part of the Demand Strategy development and review activity, you will be responsible for collaborating with investment planning and capital delivery teams to establish an efficient and deliverable programme that meets required targets. You will have the opportunity to develop the strategy for long-term NHH and Retailer engagement and ensure this aligns to the Demand Strategy, reflecting outputs of annual reviews as required.

To be successful in this role, you will have a background in water demand management, ideally with expertise in demand forecasting and strategic planning. You will have a proven track record of developing, implementing and evaluating effective demand management strategies to optimise water use and ensure sustainability. You will have strong leadership abilities and vision to guide the group towards achieving its water resource sustainability goals. Adaptability and resilience are essential traits, as the role involves navigating complex challenges and evolving regulatory landscapes.

What you'll be doing:

• You will lead the development of the water demand options and ultimately the long-term strategy (all aspects) across the group.
• Provide strong leadership and vision to guide the group towards achieving its water resource sustainability goals, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Commission and oversee water usage data analysis, trends, and forecasting to inform decision-making, reflecting on outputs to optimise demand management strategies.
• Work with delivery teams and the wider demand team to develop future demand investment options for delivering the reductions required.
• Engage in wider sector working groups, ensuring that SWW is at the forefront of demand management techniques and innovation in its options development.
• Lead the investment appraisal and optimisation of the demand strategy, and author the business case for securing investment through the price review.
• Responsible for all business plan inputs (narrative and data) relating to demand and demand investment.
• Undertake benchmarking of SWW’s demand strategy as it develops to understand relative cost and benefits compared with the industry, identifying opportunity for improvement and review, informing the development of any in AMP adaptions and the next round of plans.
• Annual review of the Demand Strategy, making adjustments as required and communicating these in a proactive manner to ensure support and alignment to any changes.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate strategy effectiveness, progress, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Own the strategy for performance against the Demand related ODI’s and act as technical owner for specific aspects of the water balance procedure, ensuring this aligns to the Demand Strategy.
• Work together with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration in implementing demand management strategies, critical to this is the collaboration with delivery teams to establish targets that have been tested for deliverability and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards governing water resources management and demand forecasting.
• Proactively identify risks and challenges associated with demand management initiatives and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Develop and implement a strategy for long term NHH / retailer engagement, working alongside the water efficiency manager, ensuring alignment to the Demand Strategy.
• Provide relevant strategic inputs into WRMP and Business Plan – responsible for all demand options, baseline forecasting and demand strategy and demand investment decision making.
• Provide guidance and support to those you line manage, providing technical guidance and oversight of their roles on demand strategy development and implementation and facilitate training and knowledge sharing to enhance team capabilities in demand forecasting and strategy execution.

What we are looking for:

• Scientific/ Environmental/ Engineering related Degree and ideally hold professional membership of a recognised body (e.g. CIWEM).
• Experience in water resources management, including demand forecasting, strategic planning, and policy development.
• Direct involvement in developing and implementing water demand management strategies, policies, and initiatives.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, analysis, and forecasting techniques related to water demand and consumption.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in guiding teams and providing technical oversight of outputs.
• Experience in building consensus, negotiating agreements, and managing relationships to support the implementation of demand management strategies.
• Track record in project management, including managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery of projects.
• Familiarity with water resource systems, including water supply infrastructure, distribution networks, and storage facilities, to understand the dynamics of water demand and supply.
• Understanding of water management principles, water conservation techniques, and sustainable practices.
• Able to influence and communicate internally and with external stakeholders.
• Understanding of industry best practices and UK policies related to water efficiency.
• Proficiency in budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Forward-thinking mindset and the ability to prioritise work in accordance with ever changing demands, and manage multiple projects.
• Taking ownership of tasks and deliverables, being responsible for both successes and challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

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: Monday 18th November 2024

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.

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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.