At Pennon Group, we’re proud to be leading the way in the water and renewables industries. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power - we’re committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we’ll build a better tomorrow for our communities.
Pennon Group is embarking on a major transformational change programme to deploy smart meters to over 850,000 customers during AMP8. This programme will introduce new ways of working, innovative partnerships, and a single technical solution supporting all Pennon brands.
We are now looking for a Smart Project Manager – Operate to play a pivotal role in this transformation by owning and delivering the Operate workstream across the Group.
The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis, with a salary of £53,000–£60,000 per annum, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
What you will be doing:
Own and deliver the Operate workstream within the Smart Metering transformation programme, ensuring outcomes align with business and operational needs.
Lead the definition and implementation of new operational capabilities to support the ongoing management of a large-scale smart meter estate.
Collaborate with water resources, leakage teams, and other Operate stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into deliverable solutions.
Work closely with programme teams, partners, and third parties to ensure effective integration and delivery of Operate requirements.
Develop, manage, and maintain a workstream-specific project plan, ensuring alignment with overall programme milestones and dependencies.
Ensure the organisation has the capability and processes in place to support smart meter connectivity, data flows, and PCD delivery.
Coordinate with other project managers and business owners to ensure end-to-end processes reliant on smart meter data operate seamlessly.
Shape and evolve the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and longer-term roadmap for Operate as smart capabilities mature.
Own and deliver the Operate workstream communications plan, ensuring clear engagement across frontline teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
Partner with HR and change teams to manage people impacts, support new ways of working, and embed sustainable operational change.
What we are looking for:
Strong understanding of metering technology and infrastructure
Data-driven mindset with solid analytics capability
Proven project/programme management experience
Confidence working with senior stakeholders in complex organisations
Comfortable leading workshops and managing change
Desirable: Formal project management qualification
What is in it for you:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us.
In return, we will offer an excellent range of benefits including:
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
Share-save Scheme
Various health benefits
Wellbeing support programmes
A range of Group Discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme
Financial support services
And plenty more!
Closing date: 9th January 2026
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.
