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- Tasks: Lead water quality initiatives and ensure compliance with regulations while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in sustainable water services in the UK.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible holiday options, discounts, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and environmental sustainability in stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Scientific degree, managerial experience, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56568 - 56568 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. 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.
If you have an in-depth knowledge of drinking water quality and a relevant scientific degree, we might have the perfect role for you! We're recruiting for a Principal Scientist to join the water quality team based in Exeter. This is a full-time position, earning £56,568 and is at the heart of providing the highest quality for our customers, colleagues, stakeholders and the environment.
What you'll be doing:
- As a proactive member of the Water Quality Management Team, you'll offer scientific input to help formulate business plans and strategies.
- Assist with the preparation of an operating plan and budget, ensuring regulatory standards, cost and efficiency are achieved.
- Recruit, assess and motivate members of the Water Quality Scientist team, including training and guidance where required for professional development.
- Maintain public health by identifying risks and ensuring remedial measures are communicated where applicable to the relevant regulators, authorities and Health Protection Agency.
- Providing direction, support and advice in the event of emergencies and incidents.
- Review and assess Method Standards and risk assessments, and maintain the quality management systems across the business.
- Ensure effective planning and delivery of scientific and technical support, taking into account emerging regulatory requirements.
- Ensure that Health and Safety policies and current UK and EC legislation is adhered to.
- Manage and provide out of hours Water Quality advice, reporting and liaison arrangements.
What we're looking for:
- Scientific degree (or higher).
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of water quality and environmental legislation.
- Knowledge of the implications of consumer and health and safety legislation.
- Previous managerial experience, ideally within a scientific operational water industry role.
- Knowledge and understanding of water treatment processes and water distribution activities.
- Excellent communication skills and promotion of high-quality customer service.
- Computing and presentation skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
What's in it for you:
- Generous annual leave, plus the ability to buy and sell holiday to provide more flexibility.
- Access to thousands of discounts and savings through Pennon Perks.
- The ability to increase your earnings through standby/on-call arrangements.
- Competitive company pension scheme - helping to build your financial future.
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support.
- Comprehensive family leave policies.
- So much more.
Closing Date: 12th 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.
Principal Scientist – Water Quality in Exeter employer: Pennon Group
Contact Detail:
Pennon Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist – Water Quality in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water quality sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us you’re passionate about water quality and how you can contribute to our goals at South West Water.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to your scientific knowledge and managerial experience. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist – Water Quality in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Knowledge: Make sure to highlight your in-depth knowledge of water quality and environmental legislation in your application. We want to see how your scientific background aligns with our mission to provide safe drinking water and improve water quality.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Scientist role. We love seeing how you can contribute to our goals and values.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language to communicate your experience and qualifications. We appreciate clarity as much as we value expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨Know Your Water Quality Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water quality and environmental legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific regulations and how they impact the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the subject but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a project or motivated a team. Highlight your managerial experience and how you can inspire others to achieve high standards in water quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in emergencies. Think of scenarios where you've had to identify risks or implement remedial measures. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms, as you may need to communicate with stakeholders who aren't experts. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between science and public understanding.