Senior Water Resources Planner

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Water Resources Planner to lead the strategic planning and management of water resources for SES Water.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring long-term water supply resilience, regulatory compliance, and delivery of key programmes including the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), regional planning through WRSE, and drought planning.
You will provide technical expertise, strategic direction, and stakeholder leadership-working across the business and with external partners to shape sustainable water resource solutions for the future.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & PlanningLead development and ongoing delivery of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP)Own and deliver long-term water resource strategy aligned with regulatory requirementsConduct annual reviews of water resource position and identify emerging risksDevelop future supply strategies and investment plansTechnical & Analytical OversightOversee modelling, data analysis, and forecasting of water availability and demandUse data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and prioritise initiativesEnsure modelling capability meets current and future regulatory planning needsGuide consultants supporting strategic planning deliveryProgramme & Delivery ManagementOversee WRMP improvement commitments and report progress to senior leadershipSupport delivery of Drought Plans and environmental programmes (e.g. WINEP)Develop business cases and support investment planning processesManage budgets and resource allocation effectivelyStakeholder Engagement &

PartnershipsBuild and maintain strong relationships with regulators (Environment Agency, Ofwat, Natural England)Collaborate with regional groups, local authorities, and industry partnersRepresent SES Water in regional planning forums (e.g. WRSE)Risk & ResilienceIdentify risks including drought, environmental impact, and infrastructure challengesDevelop mitigation strategies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supplyAbout YouEssential ExperienceStrong background in water resources management, environmental planning, or similarProven experience delivering strategic planning programmesExperience working within a regulated environment (ideally water industry)Demonstrated leadership or management experienceStrong project and stakeholder management skillsKey Skills & BehavioursStrategic thinker with strong analytical capabilityExcellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and complex projectsHigh attention to detail and organisational
skillsCollaborative approach with the ability to influence at senior levelsQualificationsDegree in Science, Environmental, Engineering or related discipline (required)Professional membership (e.g. CIWEM) desirableWhat Success Looks LikeDelivery of a robust, compliant and forward-looking WRMPStrong partnership with regulators and regional stakeholdersClear, data-driven investment decisions supporting long-term resilienceA high-performing, collaborative water resources planning functionClosing Date: 1st July 2026

SES Water has a rich history of serving communities in the South East of England. Water plays an important role in our lives, which is why we're committed to supplying our customers with access to 160 million litres of safe, reliable, clean water every day.
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.

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.
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Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
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