At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the water quality function and ensure safe drinking water delivery.
- Company: Join Bristol Water, a leader in the UK water sector since 1846.
- Benefits: Generous leave, bonus plan, health benefits, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in water quality and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € 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.
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Water Quality Manager to join us on a 12-month maternity cover basis, leading our water quality function across the Bristol Water operating region. This is a critical leadership role where you'll ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water from source to tap, protecting public health while driving continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and develop the Water Quality function, including Water Regulations
- Ensure compliance with all drinking water quality standards and regulatory requirements
- Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership across water quality activities
- Champion a Drinking Water Safety Planning (DWSP) approach
- Investigate and report on water quality incidents and risks
- Build strong relationships with regulators, public health bodies, and industry groups
- Shape and deliver short-, medium-, and long-term water quality strategies
- Contribute to investment decisions to mitigate emerging risks and improve performance
- Support water quality aspects of operational changes and new schemes
- Provide expert advice during incidents and out-of-hours situations
- Lead, coach, and empower a high-performing technical team
What we're looking for:
- Significant experience in water quality, environmental science, or related technical discipline
- Strong background in regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement
- Proven leadership experience managing technical or scientific teams
- Experience operating within a regulated environment
- Track record of delivering change, continuous improvement, and team development
Qualifications & Skills:
- Degree (or higher) in a relevant scientific discipline
- Strong understanding of water quality legislation, treatment, and distribution
- Excellent communication, influencing, and analytical skills
- Logical, evidence-based approach to problem solving
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Chartered status (or working towards) or membership of relevant bodies (e.g. CIWEM, IWA, RSC)
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave + bank holidays
- Bonus Plan
- Company car or cash for car allowance
- Competitive contributory pension
- Share-save scheme
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
- Group discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Financial support services
- Development and training opportunities
- ... and much more!
Closing Date: 3rd June 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.
Water Quality Manager Bristol Water employer: Bristol Water
At Bristol Water, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer dedicated to providing safe and high-quality drinking water to our communities. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our extensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, health support programmes, and development opportunities, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Join us in shaping a greener future while making a meaningful impact in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Manager Bristol Water
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water quality sector, especially those at Bristol Water. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on water quality regulations and recent developments in the field. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Bristol Water team and making a splash in the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Manager Bristol Water
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Water Quality Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in water quality and regulatory compliance, and show us how you can lead a high-performing team.
Showcase Your Passion:We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about water quality and environmental science. Share your enthusiasm for the field and any initiatives you've been involved in that align with our goals at Bristol Water.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Water
✨Know Your Water Quality Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest water quality regulations and standards. Familiarise yourself with the Drinking Water Safety Planning (DWSP) approach, as this will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the water quality sector will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Water Quality Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove change or improved performance. Highlight your coaching style and how you empower others to excel.
✨Build Relationships
Bristol Water values strong relationships with regulators and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with these groups in previous roles. Share any experiences where you navigated complex regulatory environments or collaborated with public health bodies to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential water quality incidents and how you would handle them. Prepare to explain your logical, evidence-based approach to resolving issues, as well as how you would communicate effectively during an incident.
