At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging training for drainage teams, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Lanes Group, the UK's largest independent infrastructure delivery partner.
- Benefits: Enjoy 21 days holiday, health cash plan, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing skills and confidence in field teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in drainage and utilities, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Lanes Group, nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being of our people and our customers. It’s a major reason we are the UK’s largest independent specialist infrastructure delivery partner of choice with a turnover fast approaching £700 million and an EBITDA of £68 million, with almost 4,500 brilliant people and a countrywide network of operational locations. Our services cover the majority of the FTSE 100 & 250 respectively, and we are the market leader in Regulated Wastewater Utilities.
In this critical role, you will ensure our organisation is known for being the best in everything we do, leaving a legacy of absolute quality and compliance, and keeping our promises at all times. As a Technical Specialist Manager, you will play a critical role in developing the skills, confidence, and capability of our field-based drainage teams. Reporting into the Learning and Development Specialist, you will design and deliver engaging, practical training that equips teams to respond effectively to a range of operational challenges, including sewer blockages, sewer flooding incidents, and proactive cleaning tasks.
This role combines hands-on technical instruction with a strong focus on safe working practices, ensuring all training aligns with company policies, Thames Water requirements, and relevant industry regulations. By providing clear guidance, practical demonstrations, and ongoing skills assessments, you will help our teams work efficiently, safely, and to consistently high standards.
Working closely with our HSQE (Health, Safety, Quality & Environment) and Operational teams, you will ensure training content reflects the latest operational procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory changes. Your contribution will directly support operational excellence, service consistency, and compliance across the Thames Water contract area. Ultimately, your work will help us achieve our mission to be a safe, secure, and industry-leading provider, ensuring our people have the skills, knowledge, and mindset to deliver outstanding service to our customers and communities.
Position: Technical Specialist Manager
Base Location: Customer Solution Centre, Slough Head Office (Slough, Berkshire)
Travel Requirements: You will be required to travel across our network covering Greater London, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and Kent - company van and fuel card provided
Job Type: permanent, full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (start times to be discussed)
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Benefits: 21 days holiday (plus bank holidays); health cash plan; onsite parking; auto enrolment pension scheme; personal learning; friendly working environment.
About the Role:
- Lead from the front by designing and delivering engaging, scenario-based training programmes for Waste Network Engineers, Technical Specialists, and Managers.
- Your sessions will take place in a variety of environments; from interactive classroom learning in the depot to practical, hands-on instruction out in the field.
- Bring technical skills to life by providing clear, practical demonstrations of specialist drainage equipment, tools, and vehicles.
- Equip our teams for real-world challenges by developing operational excellence in key areas; from clearing sewer blockages and performing proactive sewer cleaning, to managing flood response situations with confidence and professionalism.
- Unlock individual potential by observing delegates in action, assessing skills and competencies under realistic working conditions, and giving clear, constructive feedback.
- Identify and close skill gaps by using observation, performance data, and feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Measure and improve training impact by tracking employee engagement, assessment scores, operational outcomes, and delegate feedback.
- Maintain operational compliance and readiness by keeping accurate, auditable records of all training delivered.
- Drive completion of mandatory and role-specific training to the highest quality.
- Work in close partnership with HSQE, Learning & Development, and Operational Leadership teams.
- Be a champion of safety culture by embedding safe working practices in all training.
- Uphold company values and policies by ensuring all training delivery reflects Lanes Group’s standards.
- Step up as needed, from delivering specialist workshops to supporting business improvement projects.
- Be aware of all Lanes Group policies and your responsibilities towards them.
- Undertake ad hoc projects, tasks or duties as required.
So if you thrive working in a fast-paced environment, where no two days are the same, and want to join a growing company that values you and your ability, then we are the right Company for you.
About You:
The ideal candidate will hold relevant operational qualifications including Water Jetting, NRSWA and EUSR Water Hygiene, alongside strong practical experience within the drainage and utilities sector. You must also have experience operating a CityFlex vehicle, although a HGV licence is not required. You will bring in-depth knowledge of sewer maintenance and blockage clearance techniques, with the confidence to demonstrate equipment, coach engineers in the field, and deliver clear, practical instruction.
A strong commitment to health and safety standards is essential, ensuring all training reinforces compliant and responsible operational behaviours. You will also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build strong relationships with engineers, technical specialists and managers.
A full UK drivers licence is essential. Desirable experience includes holding a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or a willingness to work towards this qualification, along with a recognised Health and Safety qualification such as IOSH Managing Safely. Candidates should ideally have previous experience delivering training and be confident in developing training materials and assessment tools.
At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.
Lanes Group are a signatory of the 'Charter for Employer Positive About Mental Health' run by Mindful Employer.
Technical Specialist Manager in Slough employer: Lanes Group
Lanes Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for Drainage Engineers in Sussex. With comprehensive training and health benefits, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working collaboratively in dedicated teams to deliver high-quality service. The company values safety and customer satisfaction, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment in the drainage industry.
