Head of Bioresources

Job Description

\u003cfigure data-alignment=\"center\" class=\"relative\" style=\"width:fit-content;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"" alt=\"Pennon_Stack_colour.png\" title=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"98\" data-alignment=\"center\" style=\"width:169px;max-width:169px;height:98px;\"\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowered by Water, Driven by Purpose\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power, we're leading the way in water and renewables.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe're proud to be recognised as 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.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady to make a splash? \u003cstrong\u003eJoin our team today.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTurn Waste into a Valuable Resource\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt South West Water, we're investing in the future of wastewater treatment, sustainability, and environmental protection. As our Head of Bioresources, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how we manage, optimise and transform one of our most important asset portfolios.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare opportunity to lead the strategy, planning and performance of our bioresources operation, ensuring we deliver safe, resilient and compliant services while unlocking opportunities for innovation, efficiency and environmental improvement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're passionate about sustainable resource management, emerging environmental challenges and influencing major investment decisions, we'd love to hear from you.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to the nature of the role and the need to build strong relationships across the business, regular presence in our Exeter office is required.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you'll be doing:\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Head of Bioresources, you'll lead the development and delivery of our long-term bioresources strategy, ensuring our assets can meet current and future regulatory, environmental and operational requirements.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou'll:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eLead strategic planning for bioresources assets across capital maintenance, growth and enhancement programmes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDevelop and implement long-term asset strategies, investment plans and improvement programmes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwn and evolve our Advanced Anaerobic Digestion (AAD) strategy, ensuring performance, compliance and future capacity requirements are achieved.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSponsor and oversee major investment programmes through the full project lifecycle.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide technical leadership on key challenges including sludge treatment, biosolids recycling, PFAS and emerging environmental risks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eShape business planning submissions and regulatory programmes, including future price reviews.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse asset health, risk and whole-life cost data to identify the most effective investment opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWork closely with operational, engineering and regulatory teams to drive performance and continuous improvement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuild and lead a high-performing team with the expertise needed to meet future challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat we're looking for:\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe're looking for a strategic leader with a strong technical foundation and a proven track record in wastewater, bioresources or related infrastructure environments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou'll bring:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSignificant leadership experience within the wastewater or water sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperience managing bioresources, sludge treatment or related operational and asset portfolios.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong understanding of anaerobic digestion technologies and associated regulatory frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge of asset management principles, investment planning and regulatory business planning processes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperience developing long-term strategies and investment cases for complex infrastructure assets.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong commercial awareness with an understanding of whole-life cost, risk-based decision making and performance optimisation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eExcellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003ch5\u003eQualifications\u003c/h5\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDegree in Chemical, Process, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eChartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership) with IChemE, CIWEM or an equivalent professional institution.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy join us?\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an opportunity to influence strategic investment across a critical infrastructure portfolio while helping to deliver a more sustainable future for the South West.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e30 days annual leave + bank holidays\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eBonus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrivate Healthcare\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompany car or cash for car allowance\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompetitive contributory pension\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eShare-save scheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealth benefits \u0026amp; wellbeing support programmes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eGroup discounts\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCycle to Work scheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial support services\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDevelopment and training opportunities\u003cbr\u003e... and much more!\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClosing Date: 5th November 2026\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe yourself, we like it that way.\u003c/strong\u003e 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.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur core values, which are essential to our success, are:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe Rock Solid\u003c/strong\u003e - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe You \u003c/strong\u003e- We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe the Future\u003c/strong\u003e - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cfigure data-alignment=\"left\" class=\"relative\" style=\"width:fit-content;margin-left:0px;margin-right:auto;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"" alt=\"Values\" title=\"\" width=\"467\" height=\"117\" data-alignment=\"left\" style=\"width:467px;max-width:467px;height:117px;\"\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e TPBN1_UKTJ