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- Tasks: Lead leakage reduction services and oversee operational performance across Scotland.
- Company: Join Hydrosave, part of a 3,000-strong organisation in the water industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, family-friendly leave, and health & wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water conservation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in utilities, strong leadership, and commercial awareness required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and ongoing professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to one of the water industry's most critical challenges while developing your expertise across data, network operations, and strategic resolution planning. Hydrosave is part of the South Staffordshire Group – a 3,000-strong organisation behind South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water, and several leading utility support businesses – offering long-term development and career progression.
Hydrosave is seeking an experienced Head of Operations – Leakage to lead the end-to-end delivery of leakage reduction services under the Scottish Water framework. This senior leadership role will be responsible for the technical, operational, and commercial performance of our leakage programmes across Scotland. You will oversee the delivery of active leakage control (ALC) and associated support activities, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory targets, service level agreements, and contractual KPIs. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and strong client engagement, ensuring measurable reductions in water loss while supporting Scottish Water’s asset performance objectives.
The Role
- Operational & Technical Leadership
- Provide technical governance of leakage reduction programmes including active leakage control, network monitoring, and repair activities.
- Lead multidisciplinary operational teams, technical specialists, and subcontractors.
- Ensure programmes align with client asset strategies, regulatory leakage targets, and contractual KPIs.
- Use operational data and performance analysis to drive continuous improvement and network optimisation.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Hold full budget ownership, including forecasting, cost control, and financial performance.
- Monitor commercial KPIs and ensure delivery meets profitability and contract targets.
- Identify operational efficiencies, resource optimisation, and opportunities for service improvement.
- Provide commercial reporting, risk management, and performance insights.
- Resource & Performance Management
- Lead workforce planning and resource allocation across operational programmes.
- Track technical KPIs, productivity, and delivery milestones.
- Implement corrective actions where performance risks arise.
- Support the development and technical capability of operational teams.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, regulatory requirements, and client safety standards.
- Promote a strong safety culture through audits, briefings, and incident management.
- Maintain high standards of operational and regulatory compliance.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary operational interface with Scottish Water.
- Deliver clear performance reporting including KPIs, risks, and improvement plans.
- Build strong client relationships and ensure contractual service expectations are met.
- Provide technical insight to support long-term leakage reduction strategies.
What you’ll need
- We are looking for a strategic operational leader with experience in utilities or infrastructure environments.
- Background in water utilities, leakage management, or network operations.
- Proven leadership experience managing operational teams and programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness including budget management and contract performance.
- Knowledge of HSE standards and regulatory compliance within the utilities sector.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
What you’ll get in return
- Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days.
- Financial & Life Assurance: Life Assurance cover (role dependant) and a Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options.
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (8 counselling sessions) and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents.
- Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers.
- Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities.
- Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more.
- Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
- Flexibility & Opportunities: Overtime available and flexible shifts / hybrid working (role dependant).
Head of Operations - Leakage employer: Hydrosave UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Hydrosave UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Leakage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the water industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in leakage management and operational leadership during interviews. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and driven improvements in past roles. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into Hydrosave and Scottish Water’s current projects and challenges. Understanding their goals will help us tailor our conversations and demonstrate how we can contribute to their success in reducing water loss.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference in the water industry. Let’s get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Leakage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in water utilities and leakage management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Operations – Leakage role. Share specific examples of your past successes in operational leadership and client engagement that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Since this role involves technical governance, make sure to highlight your knowledge of active leakage control and network operations. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hydrosave UK Limited
✨Know Your Leakage Management
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of leakage management and water utilities. Understand the key challenges in the industry, especially those related to Scottish Water's framework. Being able to discuss specific strategies for reducing water loss will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or managed operational programmes. Highlight how you’ve driven performance improvements and engaged stakeholders effectively.
✨Get Familiar with Financial Management
Since budget ownership is a big part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've forecasted budgets, controlled costs, and met profitability targets. This will show that you understand the commercial side of operations and can contribute to the company's bottom line.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Health, safety, and compliance are crucial in the utilities sector. Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of HSE standards and how you've implemented safety measures in previous roles. Discussing your commitment to maintaining high operational standards will resonate well with the interviewers.