At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining safe and efficient water services across stunning landscapes.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, training opportunities, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a culture of inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in teamwork and leadership, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30327 - 30327 £ per year.
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
We’re looking for a Building & Grounds Maintenance Team Leader to join our team in Exeter. In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll oversee a team of 8–9 operatives, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of maintenance activities across our Drinking Water Services sites. You’ll play a key role in planning, coordination, and day-to-day operations, while also supporting wider performance and safety objectives.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading and supervising the Minor Works team within your area
- Working alongside your team, contributing directly to maintenance activities
- Supporting the planning and scheduling of routine and complex works
- Coordinating plant, equipment, and external suppliers for efficient delivery
- Managing seasonal (Winter/Summer) maintenance programmes
- Ensuring effective use of labour, materials, and resources to optimise performance and cost
- Taking responsibility for team health & safety, ensuring compliance with our Homesafe policy
- Supporting environmental and water quality standards across all activities
- Managing purchasing and requisitioning to keep operations running smoothly
- Assisting with recruitment as required to maintain team capacity
What we are looking for:
- Proven experience working within a team environment, with a strong focus on collaboration
- Leadership experience, with the ability to prioritise and coordinate the work of others
- A commitment to delivering high-quality work and maintaining standards
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to engage with colleagues and the public
- Ability to effectively plan and prioritise workloads in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working with minimal supervision
- A calm and approachable manner when dealing with public queries
- Flexible approach to meet changing work demands
- Full UK Driving Licence, including B+E (towing)
What's in it for you:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus
- Competitive contributory pension
- Share-save scheme
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
- Group discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Financial support services
- Development and training opportunities… and much more!
Closing Date: 29th May 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Team Lead in Exeter employer: Pennon Group
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and inclusivity. Located in the picturesque city of Exeter, our team enjoys generous benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, and ample opportunities for professional development. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives as we work towards a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Team Lead in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on South West Water. Check out their values and recent projects. This will help you connect your experience with what they care about, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your leadership skills and team experience align with the role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led a team or tackled challenges together. Highlighting your collaborative spirit will resonate well with their focus on teamwork and high-quality work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your chat to remind them of your conversation. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Team Lead in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and coordinated tasks in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary details getting in the way.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention how your background aligns with our goals at South West Water, especially regarding environmental standards and teamwork. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details promptly and can consider you for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Team Lead. Familiarise yourself with the company's goals, especially their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed projects. Highlight how you prioritised tasks, coordinated with others, and ensured high-quality outcomes. This is crucial as the role involves overseeing a team and ensuring efficient delivery of maintenance activities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with both your team and the public, especially when addressing queries or concerns about maintenance work.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle unexpected challenges, such as equipment failures or urgent maintenance requests. Showing that you can remain calm and proactive under pressure will set you apart.
