Reactive Repair and Maintenance Lead

At Severn Trent, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement, and we’re equally proud of our strong Glassdoor score — reflecting how much our people love working here. Join us to make a positive impact on the environment and our communities, while being valued and supported in a truly inclusive workplace. If you want to do more, because you care, we want you on our team.

Our Waste Networks department has a great opportunity for you to join as our new Reactive Repair and Maintenance Lead! You will lead the delivery of the reactive repair and maintenance function with an annual budget of circa £25m, ensuring around 20,000 repairs annually are delivered safely, efficiently and at pace. Inspiring a 24/7 multi‑skilled team spread across the entire Severn Trent patch, you will drive a customer‑centric approach at the heart of everything, enabling delivery that is best in class. If you’re passionate about customers, driving change and improvement to promote best practice and are a great collaborator, then this role is for you.

Some of your other key accountabilities will include:

• Act as a key member of the Waste Networks leadership team, influencing long‑term strategy, asset investment priorities, business planning, and regulatory performance outcomes relating to reactive repair and maintenance.
• Own management of customer, environmental and regulatory risk associated with network failures; ensuring rapid response, effective mitigation and best possible resolution to deliver repairs that enhance the network within budgetary constraints.
• Excellent communication with external stakeholders, as you will be working closely with contractors, suppliers and local authorities.
• Ensure robust H&S systems; training, equipment and assurance are in place, delivering safe working practices for all staff and partners.
• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency, innovation and service improvement through analysis of operational and commercial data.
• Develop technical and leadership capability in your teams, managing performance proactively and building a strong succession pipeline.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You will bring exceptional customer focus and the proven ability to resolve complex issues with a first‑class service mindset. You’ll have experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, building a strong coaching culture to develop talent while nurturing a positive safety environment. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, as you will work closely with internal, external and supply chain partners to deliver safe, high‑quality and commercially sound outcomes. This role requires an in‑depth knowledge of Health & Safety standards and practices, with hands‑on experience overseeing teams working in deep excavations, confined spaces, hazardous environments, and large plant/equipment operation. This role will require a full UK driving licence. Skills and experience are important, but character, positivity, and a caring attitude matter too. We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We seek people who get involved, want to be part of something bigger, and make a difference because they care.

HOW WE’LL REWARD AND CARE FOR YOU IN RETURN

• 31 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 20% of salary dependent on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Family friendly policies (including a year off fully paid maternity and adoption leave)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Car allowance of £5,208 pa (pro‑rata where appropriate)
• Private medical cover, life assurance, income protection and personal accident cover
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two volunteering days per year

LET’S GO

We can’t wait to hear from you! Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We’ll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.