Head of Data and Modelling

This is not just a job - it’s a mission.

Reporting directly to the Director of Business Evolution & Innovation, you will play a pivotal role across a dynamic group of companies - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and SES Water. Your strategic leadership will enable the ongoing development to deliver a smarter water experience, empowering our operations, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives with powerful insights and predictive modelling, improving everything from leakage detection to regulatory compliance.

What will you be doing:

- Develop and lead the Water Services data and modelling strategy from conception to establishment and full maturity
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team of data scientists, modellers and engineers, building a culture of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement
- Design and deliver our enterprise-wide data and modelling strategy, ensuring quality, accessibility, and trust in every data point
- Harness the power of AI, machine learning, IoT and GIS technologies to unlock new possibilities from source to tap
- Drive decision-making through sophisticated forecasting and modelling for demand, consumption, water quality and asset performance
- Collaborate and influence, working with IT, engineering, asset management, and regulatory bodies to bring data to life in every corner of the business

What we are looking for:

- A strategic thinker and data evangelist with great experience in data and modelling leadership, ideally within utilities or infrastructure
- A natural leader, driven by purpose, and passionate about developing people and their careers, as well as inspiring fresh ideas and innovations to help steer and advance our wider ambitious business strategy
- Adept in technologies like SQL Server, Power BI, Azure, AWS, SCADA, telemetry and MDM toolsets
- Fluent in the regulatory and operational landscape of the UK water industry (Ofwat, EA, DWI)
- A builder of trust, who puts people and the environment at the heart of every decision
- Degree in Data Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field (Master’s/PhD a bonus)
- Professional certifications in Data Management (CIMP, DAMA-DMBOK), AI/ML (Azure, AWS) and change/project delivery (Agile, PRINCE2)

What's 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 support and development for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

- A competitive salary
- A discretionary company bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Invest in Pennon through our employee Sharesave scheme
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, with an option to buy / sell leave offering you extra flexibility
- Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
- Shared parental leave
- Look after your wellbeing through our Champion Health support platform
- Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
- Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, online retailer, travel, eating out, cinema, gyms and more through Perkbox

Since 1846, we’ve been making people healthier and the economy stronger. We’ve served generations of families and will serve generations to come.

We’re here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We don’t just give people water - we keep them healthy and help them grow. We work around the clock, testing our water hundreds of times every day.

We take this same view with our 600 employees, we don’t just give them jobs in water, we keep them healthy and help them grow.

**The best of both worlds**

We’re one of the smallest water companies in the UK. Being small means we’re nimble and can achieve things quickly for our customers and our people.

But while we’re small, we’re also part of a larger family. In June 2021 we became part of the Pennon group, which also owns South West Water and Bournemouth Water.

This means that as part of our team, you’ll get the best of both worlds - the dynamism and fast pace of a smaller company, along with the security and breadth of opportunity that comes with being part of a large organisation.