Drought Resilience Manager

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.
We currently have an opportunity for a Drought Resilience Manager , with a salary of £45,000 - £55,000 a year to join our Water Resources team working in either Exeter or Bristol. As Drought Resilience Manager you will develop, implement and oversee drought preparedness and response strategies, covering the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions.
You will have opportunity to take a lead role on the development of the Water Company Drought Plan, our annual review of the Water Company Drought Plan and lead drought exercises to improve our preparedness for drought.
You will take a leading role in coordinating drought response efforts and engage stakeholders to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of water scarcity.
What You'll Be Doing:
Lead the development and implementation of the Water Company Drought Plan (WCDP), tailored to the South West region's specific needs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with industry best practices.
Coordinate comprehensive assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities with the WR Strategy and Modelling teams, oversee data analysis and modelling efforts, and ensure mitigation strategies are developed for identified impacts.
Conduct annual drought readiness reviews, update the WCDP based on findings, and organize drought exercises to test preparedness.
Oversee the assessment of short- and long-term drought prospects, ensuring timely updates to the WCDP.
Engage proactively with regulators and internal stakeholders to strengthen confidence in drought readiness.
Provide oversight for drought readiness improvement plans, evaluating strategy effectiveness, analysing outcomes, and recommending enhancements.
Manage the activation of drought response plans, ensuring resource deployment, communication, and coordination among teams and external partners.
Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and research in drought management to integrate innovative solutions and best practices into strategies.
Represent the organization in National Drought groups, oversee reporting, and prepare required content.
What We Are Looking For:
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective drought plans, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, or driving innovative solutions to address water scarcity challenges.
Strong background in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and financial budgeting within water resources planning and management.
In-depth understanding of drought-related policies, regulations, and best practices, along with experience navigating regulatory frameworks.
Familiarity with environmental and ecosystem impacts of water resource management and an understanding of social and equity considerations.
Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make evidence-based decisions in complex situations.
Proven track record in building strong external relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining effective communication with regulators and stakeholders.
Flexibility to work in dynamic environments, adapt to changing priorities, and participate in emergency response activities, including occasional travel and fieldwork.
A dynamic and motivated leader in water resources with a clear vision, proven strategic leadership in water resource planning, and strong influencing skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.
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:
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
- Operations and Field Work
- Locations
- Exeter
- Yearly salary
- £45,000
About Pennon Group
Founded in 1989, Pennon is a FTSE 250 listed company and one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector.
Serving a population of c.3.5million people and c.380,000 business customers, we're committed to supporting the lives of people and the places they love for generations to come.