Bristol Water is looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Networks to lead the operational performance, resilience and transformation of our water distribution network.
What you’ll be responsible for:
Operational leadership
- End‑to‑end leadership of network operations, including maintenance, repairs, renewals and improvements
- Accountability for the Bristol Network ODIs and PCDs
- Accountability for leakage performance, network inspections and emergency response
- Overall responsibility for the network operation
- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and water quality standards
Customer and stakeholder focus
- Owning customer issues arising from network activities and working collaboratively to resolve them
- Leading investigations into illegal connections, abstraction and water regulations infringements
- Supporting our customer representatives with customers, communities, regulators and partners
Asset planning & capital delivery
- Sponsoring and delivering a £10m+ annual totex programme (opex and capex)
- Leading network refurbishment, upgrades and expansion programmes
- Inputting into long‑term asset strategies and regulatory business planning (including PR29)
Financial and commercial stewardship
- Setting and managing budgets using robust planning and forecasting techniques
- Driving value through effective commercial management of supply‑chain partners
- Seeking opportunities to deliver sustainable efficiencies while maintaining performance
People & culture
- Leading a department, supported by a team of direct reports
- Creating a high‑performing, values‑led culture focused on safety, accountability and development
- Recruiting, developing and inspiring future leaders
Regulation & assurance
- Ownership of operational inputs to regulatory reporting and annual returns
- Ensuring network performance supports Bristol Water’s outcome delivery and performance commitments
What we are looking for:
You’ll be a credible senior leader with a strong operational background, ideally gained within water, utilities or another regulated infrastructure environment.
Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience managing large, field‑based operational teams
- Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental compliance
- Proven experience of capital delivery and budget management
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills
- A customer‑focused, performance‑driven mindset
Desirable
- Chartered status and/or professional management qualification
- Degree‑level education in a relevant discipline
- Experience of water distribution networks
- Experience managing operational incidents and high‑profile events
- Confidence working with regulators, local authorities and the media
Closing Date: 15th May 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
