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- Tasks: Lead operations for repair and maintenance, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: SES Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape your career in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and community service.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership within utilities or infrastructure.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values uniqueness and fosters belonging.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. SES Water has a rich history of serving communities in the South East of England. Water plays an important role in our lives, which is why we're committed to supplying our customers with access to 160 million litres of safe, reliable, clean water every day. 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.
At SES Water, we deliver safe, high-quality drinking water to over 750,000 customers every day. Behind that service is a high-performing operational team responsible for keeping our network running safely and efficiently. We're looking for an Operations Manager to lead our repair, maintenance and reinstatement operations - driving performance, safety and service delivery across our network. This is a senior operational leadership role with real impact on customer outcomes and operational performance.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading operational delivery across repair, maintenance, reinstatement and planning functions.
- Managing Section Managers and operational teams, building capability and driving performance.
- Ensuring works are delivered safely, compliantly and right first time.
- Overseeing programmes including lead replacement, mains replacement and developer services.
- Managing delivery partners under NEC contract frameworks, ensuring value and performance.
- Acting as the senior escalation point for technical, operational and H&S issues.
- Representing SES Water with highway authorities, regulators and industry forums.
What we’re looking for:
- Operational leadership experience in utilities, water or infrastructure environments.
- Strong understanding of repair, maintenance, reinstatement and street works practices.
- Experience managing performance, SLAs and contractor delivery.
- Ability to lead teams, manage risk and deliver complex operational work.
- Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
- Streetworks qualifications, NEBOSH or professional membership (ICE, APM, CIWEM) are desirable.
Closing Date: 3rd April. 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.
Operations Manager employer: SES Water
Contact Detail:
SES Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current SES Water employees on LinkedIn. You never know who might give you a heads-up about an opportunity or refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SES Water's projects and values. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to provide clean water and support sustainability initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in operational leadership and how you've tackled challenges in utilities or infrastructure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the SES Water team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your operational leadership experience in utilities or infrastructure, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like NEBOSH or professional memberships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about water services and how your background aligns with our goals at SES Water. Be sure to mention your understanding of repair, maintenance, and reinstatement practices.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex operational challenges in the past. We love to see candidates who can manage risk and deliver results, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at SES Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager in the utilities sector. Brush up on repair, maintenance, and reinstatement practices, as well as any relevant regulations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you managed performance or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to build capability and drive results, as this is crucial for the role at SES Water.
✨Understand the Company Values
SES Water values trust, individuality, and progress. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these principles, especially in terms of building trust and embracing change.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the company. You might ask about their current projects related to sustainability or how they measure success in operational performance.