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
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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.