Audit & Assurance Specialist – Water Services

About the role

South West Water is seeking an Audit and Assurance professional to lead a risk‑based, first‑line assurance programme across its water services. The role supports regulatory compliance, continuous improvement and provides assurance to senior leadership and the Executive Board.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a first‑line, risk‑based assurance framework aligned with SWW priorities.
• Develop and manage the annual internal audit programme and produce high‑quality audit reports with actionable insights.
• Ensure audit outputs feed into the South West Water Operational Leadership Team (OLT) reporting.
• Maintain alignment with regulatory obligations and act as a subject‑matter expert for Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Support second‑ and third‑line assurance activities, including external audits.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across SWW and Group functions, influencing and challenging control environments.
• Deliver monthly assurance reports, track corrective actions and escalate risks promptly.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to transformation initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven experience in audit, assurance or risk management within a regulated environment.
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting findings to senior leadership.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders.

Required skills