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- Tasks: Lead the development and management of a Quality Management System for water sampling operations.
- Company: Join Leep Utilities, a forward-thinking company focused on water quality and public health.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a bonus, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on drinking water quality and public health while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of water regulations and experience in sampling or laboratory operations required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on growth and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Department: Regulation & Compliance
Location: Manchester or Reading / Hybrid
The Opportunity
Join our Regulation and Compliance team and play a key role in shaping the future of drinking water quality. We’re looking for an experienced and driven professional to lead the development, implementation and ongoing management of a Quality Management System (QMS) for our water sampling operations. This is a unique opportunity to bring regulatory drinking water sampling in‑house, ensuring full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS). In this role, you’ll take ownership of designing and embedding robust sampling processes and quality standards, from building the QMS documentation through to establishing quality assurance and audit frameworks and achieving UKAS/DWTS accreditation. Alongside this, you’ll recruit, train and lead a small team of Water Quality Samplers, ensuring the effective delivery of our statutory and operational sampling programmes. You’ll also work closely with the wider Water Quality team, supporting water quality investigations and contributing to the protection of public health and regulatory compliance across our water supply.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a Quality Management System for sampling activities, aligned with ISO 17025 and DWTS requirements.
- Develop and maintain all policies, procedures, and associated documentation for sampling, transportation, and chain of custody.
- Develop and implement robust quality assurance protocols to ensure the integrity and reliability of all water sampling operations.
- Lead internal audits and proficiency testing schemes; manage corrective actions for non-conformances.
- Train and competence‑assess sampling staff to meet accreditation standards.
- Prepare and submit UKAS application and manage assessment process to gain accreditation.
- Act as a point of contact for accreditation and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and readiness for accreditation audits.
- Once the QMS and accreditation are established, ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant standards and requirements, including regular review and continuous improvement of quality assurance processes.
- Manage team of Water Quality Samplers ensuring safe and compliant operations.
- Oversee delivery of statutory and operational sampling programmes across all water supply zones.
- Provide expert advice on compliance with all water quality sampling matters.
- Monitor KPIs (e.g., % samples on time, compliance rate) and report performance to senior management.
- Ensure adherence to Health & Safety, COSHH, and environmental requirements.
- Maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including subcontracted laboratory providers and industry forums.
About You
Essential
- Strong knowledge of Water Supply Regulations, UKAS and DWTS accreditation requirements.
- Understanding of ISO 17025 and associated compliant systems and managing audits.
- Experience in water quality sampling or laboratory operations.
- Proven ability to lead teams and embed a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Competence in digital systems (LIMS, scheduling software, Microsoft Office).
Desirable
- Degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- Previous experience in implementing a QMS ideally in a laboratory or other testing environment.
- Familiarity with Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) requirements and DWTS.
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
- Annual discretionary bonus
- Car allowance
- 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
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.
Water Quality Sampling Manager in Reading employer: Leep Utilities
Contact Detail:
Leep Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Sampling Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water quality sector or related fields. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO 17025 and DWTS requirements. Be ready to discuss how you can implement a Quality Management System that meets these standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in compliance and quality assurance roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Sampling Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with water quality sampling and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of ISO 17025 and DWTS requirements in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include any specific examples of how you've implemented these standards in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity and organisation!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leep Utilities
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Water Supply Regulations, UKAS, and DWTS accreditation requirements. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in compliance and quality management. Highlight any experience you have in training staff or embedding a culture of continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple projects and ensure compliance with various standards. Use specific examples from your previous roles to illustrate your organisational prowess and ability to monitor KPIs effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've maintained relationships with external stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to communicate effectively and ensure compliance, as this will be key in your new role.