At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to enhance operational excellence in network operations.
- Company: Join Bristol Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days annual leave, competitive pension, and flexible family leave options.
- Other info: Diverse benefits package and a culture that values inclusion and individuality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving transformational change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. 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? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
The Role
The Senior Manager Network QCD is a highly influential role that will shape how we deliver operational excellence across our network operations, contractor partnerships and supply chain. Working closely with the Operational Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, Commercial Team and our Delivery Partners you will lead and develop a team that delivers a culture focused on workmanship quality, cost efficiency and delivery performance, ensuring resources, materials and expenditure are utilised in the most effective way to deliver outstanding results for our customers and the business without compromise to our health and safety.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and developing a high-performing QCD team focused on operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Creating and embedding a culture of quality, cost awareness, and delivery excellence across network operations.
- Establishing programme governance, project controls, and benefit tracking processes.
- Prioritising and implementing efficiency initiatives that improve performance and drive measurable business benefits.
- Driving change initiatives and ensuring successful adoption across operational teams.
- Managing relationships with contractors, supply chain partners, and local authorities to maximise performance and compliance.
- Providing robust project reporting, financial challenge, and cost control supporting our Commercial Team.
- Supporting operational leadership teams with strategic decision-making and investment prioritisation.
- Collaborating across the wider business to share best practice and promote operational excellence.
- Deputising for the Head of Networks when required.
- Participating in the Network Event Manager standby rota.
About You
We're looking for a confident and inspiring leader who can influence at all levels and successfully deliver transformational change.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven leadership experience and the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Proven experience managing contractor delivery models.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Demonstrable experience leading operational teams through periods of change.
- Strong project management, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience developing and monitoring operational performance indicators and quality assurance processes.
- Experience engaging with senior leaders and executive level stakeholders.
- Degree qualified or equivalent professional qualification.
- NEC 3 & 4 Contract Management experience.
Desirable
- Five or more years' operational and customer-focused experience within the water industry or a similar regulated environment.
- Commercial and financial management experience.
- Programme governance experience.
Why Bristol Water?
At Bristol Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued. That's why we offer a diverse benefits package designed not just to reward, but to empower you to live well, both at work and beyond.
Our Benefits Include:
- From 23 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays), increasing with service.
- Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme giving you flexibility over your leave entitlement.
- Company Bonus Scheme recognising your contribution to our success.
- Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching.
- Life Assurance for peace of mind.
- Group Income Protection should illness or injury impact your ability to work.
- Enhanced Family Leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Employee Share Schemes including discounted shares and share matching opportunities.
- Free Flu Vaccinations.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 wellbeing, financial and emotional support.
- Free On-site Parking at our Bristol headquarters.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Car Share Scheme.
- On-site Canteen at our Bristol headquarters.
- Give As You Earn Scheme supporting charitable giving.
- Dedicated Volunteering Day.
- Retail Discounts and savings across thousands of retailers.
Closing Date: 25th Sept 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.
Senior Network QCD Manager in Somerset employer: Bristol Water
At Bristol Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and innovation. Our employees benefit from continuous growth opportunities and a commitment to sustainability, all while contributing to the vital mission of providing clean water to our communities. Located in the heart of Bristol, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the water sector, backed by the resources of the Pennon Group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Network QCD Manager in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Network QCD Manager at Bristol Water!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Bristol Water or be willing to refer you for that Senior Network QCD Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Bristol Water who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Network QCD Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Network QCD Manager role at Bristol Water!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network QCD Manager in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Bristol Water. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Water
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Bristol Water. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
