Process Scientist

At Severn Trent, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement, and we're equally proud of our strong Glassdoor score - reflecting how much our people love working here. Join us to make a positive impact on the environment and our communities, while being valued and supported in a truly inclusive workplace. If you want to do more, because you care, we want you on our team.

As a Water Treatment Scientist, you'll play a key role in either our Groundwater or Surface Water Treatment Process team, providing technical expertise across a portfolio of sites. You'll take ownership of process performance at your sites - analysing trends, identifying risks, and driving improvements - to ensure we consistently deliver safe, high quality water to our customers. This is a hands-on, practical role working both on operational sites and in the office. You'll regularly travel between sites (car allowance provided), with the Surface Team roles including participation in a paid out of hours standby rota.

We are currently recruiting a number of roles available across the Midlands and Staffordshire areas ranging from fixed term contracts to permanent positions. You will take a data driven, investigative approach to Water Treatment, where you will be responsible for:

• Reviewing and challenging treatment works performance using operational data and trends
• Leading investigations into water quality events, identifying root causes and driving corrective actions
• Supporting optimisation of treatment processes to improve chemical and energy efficiency
• Completing Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) assessments and reducing risk
• Producing clear, evidence based technical reports and recommendations
• Working closely with site teams, providing practical, hands-on process support
• Contributing to capital investment and improvement programmes alongside Process Design Engineers
• Supporting commissioning and integration of new or upgraded assets
• Driving compliance performance (e.g. CRI / EPA) and process resilience
• Sharing best practice, lessons learned, and developing capability across the business

You'll also play a key role in incident response and recovery, helping coordinate technical actions and restoring performance safely and efficiently.

We're looking for someone who combines strong scientific thinking with the confidence to challenge and influence. In order to succeed in this role, it is expected that you will have:

• A degree (or equivalent, including operational experience) in a scientific or engineering discipline
• Strong technical knowledge of water treatment processes
• A logical, analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data
• Confidence to challenge decisions constructively and influence outcomes
• Excellent communication skills across a range of stakeholders
• The ability to prioritise and deliver in a fast paced operational environment
• A full UK Driving Licence

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience in process optimisation, commissioning, or operational support
• Knowledge of systems such as SAP, SCADA/ESCADA, Cognos, QUIS
• Experience in root cause analysis and incident management
• Understanding of hydraulics or groundwater processes (role dependent)

Skills and experience are important, but character, positivity, and a caring attitude matter too. We welcome and celebrate diverse individuals, knowing they help us better serve our communities. We seek people who get involved, want to be part of something bigger, and make a difference because they care.

It's not just a job; it's a career. We offer benefits that reward great work and award winning training to help you reach your potential. Plus, you'll contribute to the environment and community too.

• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250, which is subject to eligibility)
• Company vehicle/car allowance (of £400 per month)
• Family friendly policies (including a year off fully paid maternity and adoption leave)
• Leading pension scheme - we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave - the chance to buy Severn Trent plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two paid volunteering days per year

We can't wait to hear from you! Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We'll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.