Head of Leakage

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Are you passionate about water loss management? Do you thrive in a dynamic operational environment? If so, we have a great opportunity for you to join an award-winning business.

We welcome applications from Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire for this position.
What you'll do

Reporting to the Water Networks Director, you will be expected to lead, interpret and deliver high-level company goals defined in the various company documents, procedures, budgets and legislation related to leakage management.

The role will be responsible for the tactical delivery of leak detection, data provision and pressure management field operations linked to the high-level business strategy for long-term sustainable leakage management.

An essential element will be challenging operational and technical performance and embedding efficiency initiatives to achieve regulatory leakage performance commitments.

You will:

• manage health and safety for 100+ resources to ensure staff can fulfil their function without risk to themselves, their colleagues, customers or members of the public
• manage and deliver operational budgets to target while maintaining asset quality and meeting delivery service standards
• maximise productivity and reduce the prime cost of the leakage business area
• devise, deliver and maintain an efficient 24/7 leakage strategy to meet our regulatory target
• deliver and maintain strategies to manage pressures in the network to protect the long-term life of our assets
• deliver and maintain strategies to maximise real-time data capability
• implement the strategy and delivery of reactive, short-term recovery measures in the event of extreme weather impacting leakage
• decipher and lead long-term leakage, pressure and data technology and innovation
• develop each part of our leakage operation including active detection, pressure control and acoustic logging
• ensure a very close relationship with the rest of the supply business including Distribution, Supply, R&M, Customer Service, Scheduling and Commercial areas
• develop staff to ensure our performance is sustainable through succession planning
• assist with improving the overall high-level leakage calculation through the delivery of leakage related projects.

What you'll need

• Educated to degree level.
• 10 years of experience in water industry management and/or a science environment.
• Experience in managing operational teams and managing budgets.
• A minimum of five years' operational and/or technical management experience.
• Strong and proven knowledge of the detail behind water supply networks from source to tap, including pipeline hydraulics, service reservoirs, leakage operations, R&M and pressure control.
• Strong and proven track record of managing water supply operational emergencies both tactical and operational.
• The ability to think both strategically and tactically, switching between modes at will and remaining flexible in operation and direction as situations develop.
• A clear understanding of regulatory framework and targets

What you'll receive

• Total pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

We are one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.

The work we do goes beyond providing an essential public service. We also aim to have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the natural environment.

Our people tell us Wessex Water is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have the opportunity to develop and progress your career, while also receiving health and wellbeing support.

We also continue to promote diversity and inclusion - with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us and if you would like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to let us know about any additional support you may need.

Sound interesting? Click Apply Now