Environmental Permitting Manager
Exeter, England
South West Water – SWW - Operations - Waste Water Services /
Permanent full-time /
Hybrid
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have an opportunity available for a Environmental Permitting Manager to join our team working in Exeter. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a salary of between £40,000 - £50,000 per annum plus benefits.
About the role:
You will be responsible for manging South West Water’s (and wider Pennon group, as applicable) portfolio of environmental permits for all water discharge activities, groundwater discharges and waste management activities, and process permit variations to accommodate operational and regulatory changes.
To provide technical advice in relation to future regulatory changes and influence compliance while overseeing a team of 5 direct reports within the Permitting team.
What you'll be doing:
- Manage SWW (and wider Pennon group, as applicable) EPR discharge permits/exemptions and process operational variation applications.
- Management of all SWW (and wider Pennon group, as applicable) EPR waste management permits/ exemptions and process operational variation applications.
- Manage the Permitting team; lead and develop permitting strategy in accordance with appropriate regulations to ensure the long term suitability and optimisation of environmental permits. Owner for SWW (and wider Pennon group, as applicable) Permits Database.
- Provide regulatory permitting policy review so that regulatory requirements and changes are taken into account in new permits and for AMP planning; including water discharge activities, groundwater activities, waste management, hazardous waste management, waste exemptions and registrations, Waste Framework Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive, Animal By-Products Regulations.
- Represent SWW (and wider Pennon group) at industry level (Water UK, UKWIR, regulator meetings).
- Provide technical support to the interface between environmental regulators and SWW (and wider Pennon group) to ensure business processes meet regulatory demands. Provide support to operational teams (WWS, DWS) in interpreting environmental permits, and influencing compliance. Provide training where required.
- Preparation and submission of regulatory data in accordance with legal obligations (to Environment Agency and Ofwat) including quarterly and annual waste returns and CAPR return/audit.
- Provide responses to regulator consultations on changes to EU Directives, UK legislation and regulator policy/ guidance for the regulation of discharges to the environment, waste activities and industrial emissions.
- Provide responses to the environmental regulator on third party permit applications within South West Water region.
- Ensure SWW (and wider Pennon group) is compliant with WAMITAB/ CIWM Technically Competent Management Training and Qualifications for operational staff.
- Provide technical support to Group Legal in association with permit appeals and compliance prosecutions.
- Provide briefing notes and technical reports to SWW / Pennon to accompany regulator consultations and changes to permitting regulations/ policy/ guidance.
- Identification of measures to improve Quality Management and Environmental Management Systems.
What we are looking for:
- Scientific/Environmental related degree
- Hold professional membership of a recognised body (e.g. CIWEM)
- Qualified CIWM/WAMITAB Technically Competent Manager for waste
- Extensive knowledge of environmental regulation, its development and implementation
- Proven experience of working in Environmental Permitting for discharges and/or waste activities
- Previous experience working on own initiative, and as part of a team
- Technical knowledge of Environmental Permitting Regulations
- Able to influence and communicate internally and with external stakeholders
- A good understanding of Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook
- The ability to prioritise work in accordance with ever changing demands, and manage multiple projects
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
- Ability to develop strong external relationships with regulators/ stakeholders
- Enthusiastic and motivated to achieve personal and functional objectives.
- Good communicator, both oral and written
- Full UK drivers Licence and prepared to travel throughout the region and to national meetings with regulators and industry bodies
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 development and training 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:
- 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: Friday 31st January 2025.
If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as our Environmental Permitting Manager - we look forward to receiving your application.
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.
