Leakage Control Manager

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 goal? Net zero by 2030, supported by partnerships with Wildlife Trusts and National Parks.

Water is one of our most precious resources, and reducing leakage across our network is critical to protecting it for future generations. As Leakage Control Manager, you will lead operational leakage activities across a large and complex network area. You will manage teams, contractors and technical specialists to locate, reduce and prevent water loss while ensuring customers receive excellent service and our regulatory commitments are met.

This is a leadership role for someone who combines strong operational management with technical expertise in leakage detection, network operations and performance improvement.

What you will be doing:

• Leading and managing all operational leakage control activities across a geographical area.
• Managing the performance, safety and wellbeing of leakage teams and contractors, ensuring high standards of workmanship and service delivery.
• Delivering leakage performance targets and regulatory commitments, including customer experience measures and operational KPIs.
• Using flow and network data to identify leakage trends, prioritise work and optimise the deployment of leakage inspectors and specialists.
• Overseeing key leakage activities including surveys, night work, step testing, DMA isolation, pressure management and district validation.
• Investigating complex leaks and providing technical guidance to teams on detection techniques and network issues.
• Working closely with asset management, planning, projects and operational teams to improve network performance and reduce water loss.
• Managing contractor performance, service delivery standards and commercial arrangements.
• Handling customer contacts and complaints relating to leakage activities, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and professionally.
• Developing operational programmes and ensuring all work complies with health and safety, street works and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting incident response and out-of-hours operations where required, ensuring leakage issues are quickly identified and resolved.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues, helping build capability and supporting career progression within the team.

What we are looking for:

• Strong leadership experience managing operational or technical teams in a field-based environment.
• Proven experience delivering performance improvements within leakage, network operations or a similar utility environment.
• Solid technical knowledge of leakage detection techniques and District Metered Area (DMA) management.
• Understanding of network hydraulics, pressure management, flow monitoring and data analysis.
• Experience managing contractors and service providers to deliver against agreed performance standards.
• Strong health and safety awareness and experience operating within regulated operational environments.
• Confident communicator who can build relationships with colleagues, contractors, regulators and customers.
• Ability to analyse operational data and translate insights into practical improvements on the network.
• Experience developing and mentoring teams to build capability and performance.
• Competent with corporate systems, operational reporting tools and mobile working technology.

What’s in it for you:

• The opportunity to play a key role in protecting water resources and reducing leakage across our network.
• A leadership role where you can shape operational performance and influence network strategy.
• The chance to lead and develop skilled operational teams and build future capability within the business.
• A supportive organisation focused on sustainability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, alongside opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Closing Date: 3 April 2026

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.