Demand Strategy Advisor

Supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come is our purpose and providing water services to our communities in the most efficient and sustainable way possible is what we do. Our commitment is to always deliver available and sufficient resources, this is what drives the Drought and Resilience Team and in doing so we want to ensure that we enhance our reputation with our customers, regulators and stakeholders. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed.

We currently have an opportunity for a Demand Strategy Advisor to join our Water Resources team on a permanent basis in Exeter or Bristol. You will receive a competitive salary of circa £40,000 plus an excellent benefits package.

The Role:

To support the development and implementation of the Demand Strategy, driving demand reductions aligned with strategic commitments. The Demand Team is responsible for the creation and continual review of the strategy for delivering the demand reductions set out in the Environment Act. The team provides technical leadership, strategy and monitoring for demand for the short, medium and long term (in year, in AMP to 50 years) and play a critical internal educative role around demand planning and delivery. 

You will collaborate with the Modelling Data and Systems team to effectively scope and oversee data extraction analysis and report production that highlights demand position. 

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the company’s water demand analysis, strategic demand planning and demand forecasting.
• Monitoring, reporting and forecasting demand on a long term (eg WRMP) basis and will contribute to the company's strategies on demand management towards regulatory performance requirements.
• Supporting the Pennon Group aspects of the regional plan and provide expert advice to the WCWRG.
• Contributing to the UKWIR demand network and ensure all work takes account of current research, guidance and legislation.
• Maintaining awareness of and contributing to the team’s influence on policy and sector wide issues to the benefit of South West Water customers and the local environment
• Commissioning and overseeing water usage data analysis, trends, and forecasting to inform decision-making, reflecting on outputs to optimize demand management strategies.
• Evaluating the performance and accuracy of forecasting models through validation and calibration exercises.
• Preparing comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate strategy effectiveness, progress, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborating with hydrologists and engineers to incorporate demand projections into comprehensive water resource management models and simulations.
• Establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the accuracy of demand forecasts and the success of implemented strategies.
• Analysing the interactions between water demand, supply, and infrastructure to identify potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities in the water supply system.
• Commissioning and overseeing delivery of reports and presentations to communicate forecasting results and recommendations to stakeholders
• Driving the identification of opportunities for process improvements, innovation, and optimization of forecasting methodologies to enhance the accuracy and reliability of demand forecasts.
• Participating in research initiatives and knowledge-sharing forums to contribute to the advancement of water resource management practices and methodologies.

What we are looking for:

• Scientific/ Environmental/ related Degree.
• Experience in water demand forecasting, hydrological modeling, or related fields.
• Experience in managing projects, including defining objectives, developing work plans, allocating resources, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience in preparing reports, presentations, and technical documents for stakeholders, decision-makers, and technical audiences.
• Previous experience of working in a water company.
• Capability in using statistical software/modelling.
• Able and willing to travel throughout the region and to national meetings as needed with regulators and industry bodies.

What's in it for you:

This isn’t just a job, this is a career; the opportunities to develop and grow your career with us are endless. Alongside ongoing training and development opportunities we offer some great benefits:

• 26 days holiday allowance rising to 30 days plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional progression routes.
• Generous contributory pension scheme.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Share save scheme.
• Subsidised healthcare benefits.
• Plus, many more!