Reservoir Programme Lead

Are you ready to build momentum and drive high-impact success? We’re on a mission to be the water company people trust to supply them and are proud to work for—and we need a driven leader to help us achieve it. As our Reservoir Programme Lead, you will take total ownership of our essential rolling programme to clean and maintain every service reservoir across our network. Moving into this crucial role, you will be the driving force ensuring we consistently deliver on our key commitments to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). From securing vital resources and establishing clear timelines to mitigating risks and solving complex issues, you’ll lead the charge in translating strategic goals into flawless execution.

Collaboration is at the heart of this post. You’ll act as the key focal point for the entire initiative, working hand-in-hand with key stakeholders across Operations, Asset Management, and Engineering to keep progress on track and keep leadership informed. Please note that participation in a manager’s standby rota is an essential requirement for this position.

If you bring essential knowledge of water network systems, understand the critical function of service reservoirs, and are hungry to take on greater responsibility while accelerating your career, then don’t miss out on this opportunity—apply today to lead our delivery into the future!

• Own/Review the planned programme including timelines and resources needed to successfully deliver the project
• Consult with Key stakeholders to write OMS’s to streamline the process and minimise the need for DM or PM input
• Coordinate and manage response to water quality failures resulting in reactive reservoir cleans
• SME to be the point of contact for any issues
• There will be an Expectation to participate in a manager's standby rota.
• Organising/leading Regional Project meeting and OMS review meetings
• Work collaboratively with Engineering/Asset Management/Distribution/Production stakeholders
• Plan any enabling works with Schedulers (Technician involvement)
• Undertake site visit to locate and identify assets (check access and operation of valves/wash out’s, air valves etc.)
• Undertake reservoir isolation and return to service valve operations
• Organise the necessary WQ samples and ensure these are taken in accordance with the return to service method statement
• Responsibility for planning contingencies for all sites
• Report monthly on progress against reservoir C&I programme to Reservoir Steering Group
• Post and plate all valves, hydrants, wash out and other key assets on site
• Raise any hazards on site and follow through to satisfactory resolution
• Ensure the Site Schematic program is updated and kept up to date
• Ensure site manual is updated
• Ensure Geofield updates are completed
• Weekly meetings to discuss/present the program of works to Regional management team
• Regular site visits to oversee progress of works, taking ownership of any remedial actions
• Sign off once complete and provide a summary document of the project for future reference

• Experience in water network systems and the function of a service reservoir is essential.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Practical technical experience of a water network is desirable but not essential.
• Project Management experience is useful.
• The ability to solve complex problems and drive continuous improvement.
• A strong health and safety culture.
• Understanding of the regulatory set up of the water industry.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!