Head of Wastewater Operations

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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.

Are you looking for a leadership opportunity, working for one of the largest listed companies in the South West?

Do you want to drive innovation and change to implement tangible improvements to our customers?

In this newly created senior leadership role, responsible for all aspects of wastewater operations including relevant health & safety, customer service, regulatory and budgetary standards.

Based in Plymouth, this is a full-time, permanent position offering an annual salary between £75,000 - £95,000 plus a company car, £5,000 relocation support and excellent benefits.

About the role:

Being accountable for the operation of our wastewater network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment works, you will lead teams operating across our various sites as well as our customer facing field operations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and supply chain partners, motivating and inspiring them to perform at their best. You will drive performance, productivity and efficiency to ensure that South West Water meets all regulatory and customer service standards.

You will actively engage with the communities you serve, represent the company and portray our values through every customer and stakeholder engagement.

You will bring your expertise to our operational asset management decision making process and work collaboratively with our delivery teams to ensure the successful delivery of long term asset interventions to deliver environmental enhancements.

What you'll be doing:

• As a member of the Wastewater Leadership team, you will have accountability for Wastewater Networks, Treatment and Pumping teams, delivering wastewater services to the required standards through both South West Water and our supply chain colleagues.
• Acting as an advocate of the Pennon Group in ways that strengthen it's profile within the industry and sector. By forming direct links with the communities and stakeholders in your region, positively influence the companies standing in the community.
• Delivering results: you will meet all health and safety, environmental, financial and operational performance measures required to deliver outstanding service to our customers.
• Owning, operating and maintaining our wastewater assets to ensure 100% availability, permit compliance and operational efficiency.
• Supporting the delivery of our ambitious pollutions, compliance and storm overflow change programmes.
• Ensuring the collaborative relationship with asset management and capital delivery enhances the assets you are accountable for and subsequently the environment.
• Providing direction for the department and the leadership that motivates, inspires, and develops people to perform at their best, creating an environment that delivers on our commitment of being a Great Place to Work.
• Acting as the regional interface with the Environment Agency to ensure operational compliance with all legislative obligations. Foster and build relationships with the EA and other key environmental stakeholders.
• Delivering continuous improvement to performance - through productivity, innovation, and change.
• Delivering and outperform, Opex, Capex + Totex financial targets. Support and develop and commercial opportunities for the Pennon group.
• With accountability for delivering wastewater services to our customers 24/7, you will own the implementation of our incident plans for your region.
• Delivering other regulatory and performance requirements under SEMD, Environment Act, as well as being accountable for delivering your regions delivery of EPA4*

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership position, with a background in running large operational teams, utility operations or have knowledge of a regulated environment.
• You will be a great leader, with demonstrable experience of developing and motivating your teams through cultural change and inspiring others through your vision and strategy.
• Strong influencing skills, able to develop relationships externally to the business.
• Action oriented with a proven track record of delivering results, driving change and focus on adding value to the customer.
• Commercial/contractual experience and track record of delivery through service providers.
• Personal integrity and sound judgement.

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 company car or cash for car allowance
• A company bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• 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

Closing Date: Sunday 7th July, 2024

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.