At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational performance and transformation of our water distribution network.
- Company: Bristol Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on sustainability.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and environmental initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in utilities or regulated infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 80000 £ per year.
At Bristol Water, we've been serving generations of families since 1846. Ensuring people in our communities have access to healthy water is paramount, which is why we work around the clock testing our water hundreds of times a day.
We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Bristol Water is looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Networks to lead the operational performance, resilience, and transformation of our water distribution network. This is a senior leadership role with accountability for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of around 6,700 km of water mains, supplying clean drinking water to customers across our region. You will play a critical role in protecting public health, delivering regulatory performance commitments, and shaping the future of the network through significant capital investment and operational excellence.
Reporting to the DWS Director for Bristol and Bournemouth, you will be a key member of the senior management team, influencing strategy, performance, and culture across the business.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Operational leadership
- End-to-end leadership of network operations, including maintenance, repairs, renewals, and improvements
- Accountability for the Bristol Network ODIs and PCDs
- Accountability for leakage performance, network inspections, and emergency response
- Overall responsibility for the network operation
- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, and water quality standards
- Customer and stakeholder focus
- Owning customer issues arising from network activities and working collaboratively to resolve them
- Leading investigations into illegal connections, abstraction, and water regulations infringements
- Supporting our customer representatives with customers, communities, regulators, and partners
- Asset planning & capital delivery
- Sponsoring and delivering a £10m+ annual totex programme (opex and capex)
- Leading network refurbishment, upgrades, and expansion programmes
- Inputting into long-term asset strategies and regulatory business planning (including PR29)
- Financial and commercial stewardship
- Setting and managing budgets using robust planning and forecasting techniques
- Driving value through effective commercial management of supply-chain partners
- Seeking opportunities to deliver sustainable efficiencies while maintaining performance
- People & culture
- Leading a department, supported by a team of direct reports
- Creating a high-performing, values-led culture focused on safety, accountability, and development
- Recruiting, developing, and inspiring future leaders
- Regulation & assurance
- Ownership of operational inputs to regulatory reporting and annual returns
- Ensuring network performance supports Bristol Water's outcome delivery and performance commitments
What we are looking for:
- You'll be a credible senior leader with a strong operational background, ideally gained within water, utilities, or another regulated infrastructure environment.
- Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience managing large, field-based operational teams
- Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance
- Proven experience of capital delivery and budget management
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
- A customer-focused, performance-driven mindset
- Desirable
- Chartered status and/or professional management qualification
- Degree-level education in a relevant discipline
- Experience of water distribution networks
- Experience managing operational incidents and high-profile events
- Confidence working with regulators, local authorities, and the media
Closing Date: 15th May 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Head of Networks in Bath employer: Bristol Water
At Bristol Water, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer dedicated to providing clean drinking water while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and development. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive environment, where you can shape your career through significant leadership opportunities and impactful projects aimed at creating a sustainable future. Join us in making a difference in the community and enjoy the benefits of working for a respected leader in the UK water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Networks in Bath
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughBristol Water's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Bristol Water's website for the full-time Head of Networks role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Networks in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Bristol Water. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Water
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Bristol Water.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Bristol Water.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
