Operations Improvement Manager

Summary:

Are you a methodical problem-solver with a passion for operational excellence? We are looking for an Operations Improvement Manager to join us at a pivotal time. This isn’t just a "business as usual" role; it is a central, high-impact position designed to safeguard our water supply network.

You will lead the charge across our three strategic supply areas, designing and implementing robust improvement programmes. While you’ll initially focus on three critical workstreams—Standard Operating Procedures, Site Documentation, and Contingency Planning—this is just the beginning. As our operations evolve, so will your remit. This role offers a unique platform to grow your influence and expand your portfolio as the business identifies new areas for optimisation.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead & Empower: Provide direct line management for 3 reports, fostering a culture of development and high performance.​
• Own the Programme: Define project scopes, deliver work programmes, and create the methodology for data collection across SEW Operations.
• Embed Change: Move beyond "launch day" by creating training materials and a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure improvements are sustainable.
• Governance & Quality: Act as the ultimate quality controller, creating sign-off processes for new documentation and managing project-level risks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary interface between Operations, Water Quality, and Assets, providing monthly performance reports to internal leaders and external bodies like the DWI.

What You’ll Bring:

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to balance technical water industry knowledge with the "soft skills" required to lead people through change.

The Essentials:

• Industry Expertise: A recognized qualification (NVQ Level 3/4) relevant to the Water Industry and a valid EUSR Blue Card.
• Operational Knowledge: Previous experience in the UK water industry, specifically regarding water treatment processes and distribution networks.
• Proven Leadership:Experience managing a team, project, or complex programme of works.
• The "Technical Author" Touch: A methodical approach to creating business document templates and process manuals.
• IT Proficiency: Comfortable using Excel and the Google Workspace suite to manage data, collaborate, and report on project progress.

Recruitment process:

We will be looking to hold face to face interviews at our Snodland offices in the first two weeks of March.

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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.

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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.

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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:

Up to £60,000 plus car allowance