At a Glance
- Tasks: Visit customers to collect meter readings and ensure accurate data recording.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leading water company dedicated to customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a company van, and full training provided.
- Other info: Work independently in various weather conditions across the Crewe area.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love working outdoors and meeting new people.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a UK Driving Licence are essential; experience is a plus.
Reed Talent Solutions are working with United Utilities on the search for Meter Readers in the Crewe area (CW1 to CW12). We have an opportunity for a Meter Reader to join United Utilities. You will visit customers in their homes or businesses to accurately collect meter readings, customer information, and any other associated information required by United Utilities and their clients to assist billing and customer service delivery.
Working as part of a busy field operations team, you will be responsible for all meter reading, meter, and related data validations within set timeframes and within the Northwest area. The vast majority of visits will be un-appointed, which means that you can plan your own working hours within the agreed operating window. You will start each working day from your home address.
Job Details
- Location: Crewe (CW1 to CW12)
- Contract: Temporary via Reed for 6 months, with potential for permanent placement
- Hourly Pay Rate: £12.66
- Shift: 37 hours per week, with flexibility including evenings and Saturdays
Roles and Responsibilities
- Operating Meter Reading equipment in accordance with business processes and escalating issues with equipment appropriately.
- Attending meter sites including within customers' premises and meeting with customers face to face.
- Carrying out appointed visits in accordance with business processes and Regulatory standards.
- Escalating customer issues in accordance with agreed business processes.
- Ensuring Company Health & Safety policies and procedures are correctly applied and reporting all significant hazards, near misses, and accidents.
- Promptly reporting safety issues that could affect employees, work colleagues, customers, or members of the public.
- Referring customers to the appropriate sources of help as necessary.
- Ensuring that key performance indicators are met for each job type.
- Adhering to CMex & GSS targets and processes.
- Working closely with the team, team manager, and the wider MRSS team to optimise scheduling routes and service delivery.
- Making informed decisions on meter asset defects.
- Identifying opportunities to offer customers value-added services, using meter read data where appropriate.
Requirements
- Good communication and customer service skills, with a professional demeanour.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to accurately record data onto company-held meter reading equipment.
- Previous experience in a customer-facing environment with a keen eye for detail.
- Proven track record of achieving performance targets with minimal supervision.
- Confidence in using IT equipment.
- Flexible attitude to work, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to work alone and within a team.
- Self-motivated with strong customer service skills.
- Experience in a similar role is advantageous but not essential—full training provided.
- Previous experience in high-volume data entry.
- Good geographical knowledge of the working area.
- Must have a UK Driving Licence.
- Must be happy with manual work and working in all kinds of weather conditions.
Additional Information
- A company van, tablet, and mobile phone will be supplied.
- The role typically covers the Crewe area (CW1 to CW12), with occasional travel further afield.
- You will be working outdoors in all weather conditions and may need to enter customers' premises, climb stairs, bend, lift meter lids, dig, and pump out water meter chambers.
- You will also need to read small numbers in dimly lit areas using a torch.
- Some days may involve significant driving, especially in rural areas.
- You will work alone, visiting a variety of domestic, commercial, and industrial premises.
- A Disclosure Barring Service check is required.
If you meet the criteria outlined above, please apply with an updated version of your CV. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Meter Reader in Crewe employer: Reed
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering Meter Readers in the Crewe area the chance to work flexibly while being part of a dedicated field operations team. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides comprehensive training and the opportunity to plan your own working hours, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy the benefits of working outdoors, engaging with customers, and contributing to essential services in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Meter Reader in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Crewe area, especially the CW1 to CW12 postcodes. Having a good geographical knowledge will not only help you navigate efficiently but also impress during any interviews when discussing your understanding of the local area.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since you'll be interacting with customers face-to-face, practice how to handle various situations professionally and courteously. This will show that you're ready for the role and can represent United Utilities well.
✨Tip Number 3
Get comfortable with using technology, particularly mobile devices and data entry systems. Since you'll be using company-held meter reading equipment, demonstrating your confidence in handling tech during the application process can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. The role requires evening and weekend availability, so showing that you're adaptable and willing to work outside of standard hours will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Meter Reader in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service and data entry. Emphasise any previous roles that required attention to detail and communication skills, as these are crucial for a Meter Reader.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your ability to work independently, your organisational skills, and your flexibility regarding working hours. Show enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to United Utilities.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, clearly outline your skills that match the job requirements, such as good geographical knowledge of the area, IT proficiency, and experience in a customer-facing environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Meter Reader, you'll be interacting with customers regularly. Highlight your previous experience in customer-facing roles and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since you'll be planning your own working hours and managing your schedule, be prepared to discuss how you organise your tasks and ensure you meet deadlines. Share examples of how you've successfully managed your time in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Area
Having good geographical knowledge of the Crewe area is essential. Before the interview, take some time to review maps or local landmarks, and be ready to discuss your familiarity with the region.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with difficult customers or reporting safety issues. Think through potential scenarios and how you would respond, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
