Operation Manager Water (South) in Reading

Department: Operations

Reports to: UK Operations Manager - Water

Salary: £50,000 per annum + standby allowance

Location: South - Remote

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced water operations professional who wants to take ownership of critical clean water and wastewater assets across the Southern region? This is an opportunity to play a key role in the safe, compliant and efficient operation of Leep Utilities’ water networks, helping to protect service continuity, asset reliability and customer outcomes. Leep Utilities owns and operates regulated and non-regulated multi‑utility networks across the UK, including electricity, water and wastewater, heating, cooling and hot water services. We work on major developments across the UK and are focused on delivering reliable, straightforward connections through strong operational governance, customer focus and long‑term asset stewardship.

As Operations Manager – Water (South), you will be accountable for the safe, compliant and efficient operation and maintenance of Leep Utilities’ clean water and wastewater assets within the Southern region. You will oversee planned preventative maintenance programmes, reactive response activity, contractor performance and operational reporting, ensuring standards are met and risks are effectively managed. This is a hands‑on operational leadership role where you will work closely with internal teams, contractors and third parties to ensure assets are maintained to a high standard, regulatory and licence obligations are achieved, and customer service levels are protected and enhanced.

Key Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of water network operations across the Southern region, from point of connection through to end user.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, licence obligations, internal standards and operational controls.
• Managing planned maintenance, reactive activity, asset condition reporting, risks, incidents and mitigation actions.
• Maintaining accurate asset information, mapping records, as-built drawings and emergency response plans.
• Overseeing contractor activities, site inspections, audits and handover requirements for new assets.
• Working collaboratively with Project Delivery, Point of Connection and wastewater adoption teams.
• Supporting the UK Water Operations Manager with operational reporting, enquiries and continuous improvement activity.
• Taking part in out-of‑hours emergency cover as required.

Success Measures

• Clean water and wastewater assets are operated safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory and licence obligations.
• Planned preventive maintenance and reactive response activity are delivered to agreed standards and timescales.
• Accurate asset records, operational reports, risk logs and emergency response plans are maintained.

About You

• Strong water industry experience, with specialised knowledge of clean water and wastewater assets.
• Proven track record of managing water utility assets and supporting safe, compliant and reliable service delivery.
• Good understanding of the wider utility industry, health and safety management, audit activity and regulatory standards.
• Confident using systems, maintaining accurate records and producing clear operational reports.
• Able to manage competing priorities, respond to urgent timeframes and work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors and third parties.

Your Development and Benefits

At Leep, we believe in stable growth and putting our people first. Our 5‑year strategic growth plan gives us stability today and prepares us for the future, while nurturing a strong collaborative and supportive culture. Our benefits include:

• Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays
• An additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Car Allowance
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Company pension plan
• Health Cash plan through Westfield Health
• Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme
• Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials
• Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do: Safety, Customer Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility

Equal Opportunities

Leep Utilities is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any appropriate accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.