Repair & Maintenance Unit Leader Large Diameter Water Mains in Bristol

At Bristol Water, we have 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 are 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.

Join the Bristol Water team as Repair & Maintenance Unit Leader and play your part in ensuring the local community has access to a healthy, stable water supply by carrying out emergency repairs and assisting with the deployment of emergency water supply equipment. This role is full-time and field-based covering the operating areas of Bristol Water. Due to the nature of emergency repairs, this role requires the successful candidate to be part of a standby rota to ensure emergencies are covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What you will be doing:

• Carrying out repair work to strategic mains systems in the event of operational failure.
• Conducting excavation and temporary works to locate and repair leaks, installation of new apparatus to the trunk mains network, street works, traffic management, backfill, and reinstatement.
• Acting as on-site leader and ensuring all works are carried out to specification and standards.
• Accountable for ordering the correct materials (stone, concrete) and equipment (barriers, diggers, slews) to site, to minimise duration and costs.
• Carrying out pre-site surveys and reporting back information required to the Construction Manager.
• Liaising with Highways Officials, contractors, external stakeholders, and landowners.
• Preparing openings in the public highway or private land, or working in conjunction with the contract excavator driver, to prepare for work on the main pipes and fittings.
• Constructing trench support systems as required and necessary chlorination of pipes and fittings.
• Operating all construction plant and equipment and highlighting any defective equipment to the Construction Manager.
• Ensuring health and safety is a priority on call job and advising all members of the team and site visitors on any health and safety issues.
• Driving and operating LGV Class C and C+E vehicles.
• Being part of a 24 hour, 365 days a year standby rota to provide emergency cover.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking someone who takes pride in their work and is committed, flexible, and keen to develop their skills. The following experience and certifications are desirable, but not essential. Full training and relevant qualifications will be provided after successful completion of the probation period:

• Previous utility experience in excavation, backfill, reinstatement, and repair and maintenance of large diameter mains.
• Full UK driving licence (Category C and C+E).
• SHOC Cat & Genny trained.
• National Water Hygiene (EUSR registration).
• NRSWA Streetworks (Units 1-9).
• CPCS - Plant Operations (Blue Card).
• COSHH training.
• Abrasive wheels certification.
• Trained in kinetic manual handling techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate compliance with kinetic manual handling requirements.

This role would suit someone with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, with support and structured training provided to help you succeed in the role.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive annual leave with the opportunity to buy and sell to offer more flexibility.
• The opportunity to earn more through standby/on-call arrangements.
• Access to thousands of discounts and vouchers through Pennon Perks.
• Employee assistance programme with access to 24/7 support.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Competitive company pension scheme - build your financial future with our pension plan.
• Supportive, friendly team passionate about the work that they deliver.

Closing Date: 5th 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.