At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead leakage reduction services and oversee operational teams across Scotland.
- Company: Join Hydrosave, part of a leading utility group focused on water sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, family-friendly leave, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in utilities, strong leadership, and commercial awareness required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career progression 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 in London 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 in London
✨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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their challenges, especially around leakage management, and think about how your skills can help. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some insightful questions ready for them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing operational teams and improving performance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive results and meet KPIs, especially in the utilities sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s tackle those leakage challenges together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Leakage in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations – Leakage role. Highlight your experience in water utilities and operational leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial awareness and budget management skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in leakage management or network operations that demonstrate your expertise and passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, make sure to emphasise your experience managing multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've driven performance improvements and built strong client relationships in previous roles.
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 get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
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 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around active leakage control and network operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past, focusing on operational performance and client engagement. Highlight any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive results.
✨Understand Financial Management
Since budget ownership is a big part of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasted costs, and ensured profitability in previous roles. This will show your commercial awareness and ability to meet contract targets.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Client and stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Think about how you've built strong relationships in the past and be ready to share strategies for effective communication and performance reporting. This will demonstrate your ability to act as the primary operational interface with clients.