Water Quality Manager

Summary:

Are you a seasoned expert in water science looking for a role where your technical authority truly matters? Or perhaps you are an aspiring leader ready to take a defining step into a senior management position within the UK water industry?

At South East Water, we are looking for a Water Quality Manager who wants to make a tangible impact on the environment and the community. This isn''t just about oversight; it''s about using your passion for process science and regulation to drive excellence across our entire network. Whether you are looking for a stable, purpose-driven environment to share your years of expertise, or a challenging platform to accelerate your career, this role offers the autonomy and technical scale you''ve been searching for.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Head of Water Quality to shape the future of our scientific functions. You will be the guiding force for our Process, Distribution, and Catchment Science teams, ensuring our water treatment processes are not just compliant, but industry-leading. It''s a chance to be the go-to authority on water quality, solving complex technical problems while mentoring the next generation of talented scientists.

Main Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and inspire the activities of the Process Science, Distribution Science, and Catchment Management teams.
• Regulatory Liaison: Build a positive, constructive relationship with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and lead on regulatory updates and improvement programmes.
• Strategic Implementation: Develop, maintain, and fully implement Water Safety Plans and the Distribution Operations Maintenance Strategy (DOMS) across the business.
• Operational Advice: Act as a technical consultant to our Operations and Engineering departments, advising on the maintenance and development of Treatment Works, Service Reservoirs, and Distribution Systems.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct internal quality audits to ensure all operational practices are fit for purpose and meet statutory requirements.
• Knowledge Sharing: Lead the training of colleagues across various departments to embed a deep understanding of water quality throughout the company.
• Emergency Support: Provide standby cover for out-of-hours scientific services and manage notifications to external bodies like the DWI and EA during events.

You''ll need:
Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Academic Foundation: You are a professionally qualified Scientist or Engineer with a degree in a relevant field.
• Regulatory Expertise: Extensive experience in interpreting and applying UK drinking water regulations and industry best practices.
• Technical Knowledge: A detailed understanding of water cycle processes and practical experience with Drinking Water Safety Plans.
• Leadership Skills: The ability to set clear direction, motivate a diverse team, and act as a technical authority to overcome complex business challenges.
• Mobility: A clean driver''s licence to visit our various sites.

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That''s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package:

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What can you expect from your recruitment?

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career''s website.
• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

If this sounds like the opportunity you''ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

Starting from £72,250 + £7,513 car allowance

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