📌 Core Information
- Job Title: Future Growth Planner
- Company: Southern Water
- Location: Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2-3 days per week in office)
- Category: Utilities, Infrastructure
- Date Posted: May 22, 2025
- Experience Level: 0-2 years
- Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Engaging with developers and local planning authorities to guide them through the application process for new developments.
- Overseeing capacity checks and pre-planning enquiries related to existing public sewers and water mains.
- Collaborating with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders to plan for future growth and promote sustainable development.
- Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure Southern Water meets future growth demands.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of proactive engagement with external stakeholders and internal collaboration to ensure Southern Water's infrastructure can support future growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- ✅ Engage proactively with developers and local planning authorities, guiding them through the application process for new developments.
- ✅ Oversee capacity checks and pre-planning enquiries related to existing public sewers and water mains.
- ✅ Collaborate with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders to help Southern Water plan for the future, promoting sustainable development and alignment with Southern Water’s infrastructure upgrades.
- ✅ Provide guidance on planning applications, managing connections and capacity issues.
- ✅ Maintain strong relationships with developers, local authorities, and other stakeholders, ensuring Southern Water is positioned to meet future growth demands.
- ✅ Manage service partners, ensuring compliance with business and regulatory policies.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of administrative tasks, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to ensure Southern Water's infrastructure can support future growth.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Relevant degree or equivalent experience.
- Experience: Ideally, some planning experience, preferably within the utilities or infrastructure sector.
- Required Skills:
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to develop and sustain productive relationships.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
- Computer literate in Microsoft Packages (Office, Excel, etc.).
- Confidence in meeting new people.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with water utility infrastructure.
- Knowledge of local planning policies and regulations.
ASSUMPTION: While planning experience is preferred, the company may consider candidates from related fields who can demonstrate transferable skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: £35,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level planning roles in the UK utilities sector)
- Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including pension, healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.
- Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, with flexible working options.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for entry-level planning roles in the UK utilities sector. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Utilities, focusing on water and wastewater management.
- Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees.
- Founded: 1996 (as a result of water privatization in the UK).
- Company Description: Southern Water is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in the South East of England, serving over six million customers. They are committed to providing high-quality water and wastewater services while promoting sustainability and resilience.
- Company Specialties: Water, wastewater, metering, and utility services.
Company Website:
www.southernwater.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Southern Water is a large, established company with a significant presence in the South East of England, offering opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and progression.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Future Growth Planner.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2-3 days per week in the office, located in Worthing, West Sussex.
- Growth Opportunities: Potential career progression into senior planning roles or related positions within the company.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear career path for candidates looking to grow within the utilities sector, with opportunities to specialize in water infrastructure planning.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid, with a modern, collaborative workspace in Worthing, West Sussex.
- Office Location(s): Southern House, Yeoman Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3NX, GB.
- Geographic Context: Worthing is a coastal town in West Sussex, with a population of around 100,000 people. It offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to London and other major cities.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working options available.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application → Phone/Video screening → In-person interview → Final decision.
- Key Assessment Areas: Problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, planning knowledge, and cultural fit.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant planning experience and transferable skills.
- Prepare examples of your stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
- Research Southern Water's mission and values to demonstrate your cultural fit.
ATS Keywords: Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Utilities, Infrastructure, Water, Wastewater, Development, Local Authorities, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Microsoft Office.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their planning experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and understanding of the water utility sector to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required but may be beneficial for candidates.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Customer-focused, sustainable, innovative, collaborative, and responsible.
- Work Style: Collaborative, agile, and solution-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement in previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders?
- How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making in a team environment?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their work style and values align with Southern Water's company culture and values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders with competing priorities.
- Balancing administrative tasks with strategic planning and engagement.
- Keeping up-to-date with changes in local planning policies and regulations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Role Differences: This role focuses on water utility infrastructure planning, while related roles may focus on other aspects of water management, such as water quality or wastewater treatment.
- Industry-Specific Context: The water utility sector is highly regulated, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
- Career Path Comparison: This role offers a clear career path into senior planning roles or related positions within the company.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their career goals align with the opportunities available within Southern Water.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a capacity assessment for a new housing development.
- Engaging with local authorities to discuss future growth plans and infrastructure upgrades.
- Managing a pre-planning enquiry for a commercial development.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are based on the key responsibilities listed in the job description and provide a sense of the day-to-day tasks involved in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role contribute to Southern Water's overall mission and strategic goals?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities available for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this
link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant planning experience and transferable skills.
- Prepare examples of your stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
- Research Southern Water's mission and values to demonstrate your cultural fit.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the role.
Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
