At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of a world-class network control framework and mentor technical teams.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking utility company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous holiday, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic role requiring adaptability to emerging technologies and climate challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and service continuity with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field and extensive experience in production planning.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Network Strategy Lead is a senior technical leadership position responsible for the architectural integrity and operational resilience of the distribution network. This role serves as the bridge between strategic hydraulic modelling and real-time field execution. As a founding leader within the Central Operations function, you will be tasked with designing and implementing a world-class network control framework that minimises service interruptions and maximises asset performance. You will act as the ultimate technical authority for network operations, transitioning the business from a reactive stance to a proactive, data-driven strategy. This role involves the high-level mentoring of Network Controllers and the integration of 'Smart Network' technologies into daily operational workflows to protect customer service and water quality.
- Network Architecture & Strategic Governance
- Control Function Design: Lead the development and implementation of the Network Control Room's standard operating procedures, ensuring a seamless interface between telemetry and field activity.
- Strategic Sign-off: Serve as the final technical authority within the Outage Management System (OMS) for all below-ground assets, ensuring every planned intervention is risk-assessed against hydraulic constraints.
- Zonal Strategy Ownership: Collaborate with Asset Management and Modelling teams to ensure the long-term investment strategy addresses network vulnerabilities and constant-supply risks.
- Smart Networks Integration: Drive the delivery of Smart Network initiatives, utilising IoT sensors and advanced analytics to improve network visibility and predictive maintenance.
- Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation; Operational Resilience & Incident Command
- Hydraulic Situational Awareness: Act as the primary technical lead during major incidents, synthesising real-time data to provide field teams with precise, validated valving instructions.
- Impact Mitigation: Perform rapid hydraulic impact assessments during reactive events to prevent secondary issues such as pressure surges, air ingress, or water quality discolouration.
- Contingency Planning: Architect robust, data-driven contingency plans and 'Alternative Water' strategies to ensure service continuity during asset failure or high-demand periods.
- Performance Optimisation: Continuously analyse network performance against strategic plans, identifying trends and implementing comprehensive Interruption Improvement Plans.
- Leadership & Technical Mentorship
- Capability Building: Coach and mentor Network Controllers, elevating the team’s technical proficiency in hydraulic interpretation and risk-based decision-making.
- Cross-Functional Direction: Bridge the gap between the Control Centre and Field Distribution teams, providing the technical 'North Star' for operational adjustments.
- Executive Reporting: Distil complex network risks and performance metrics into high-level reports for the Executive Board, justifying strategic interventions and capital spend.
Note on Flexibility: The nature of a strategic network role requires high levels of agility. The incumbent must be prepared to adapt strategies in real-time to account for climate-driven demand shifts, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory targets.
What You’ll Bring
- Qualifications & Technical Excellence
- Academic Excellence: Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Data Science, or a technical discipline.
- Sector Expertise: Extensive experience in high-stakes production planning, ideally within the Utilities or Water sector.
- Leadership: A proven track record of organisational design—building, mentoring, and scaling technical teams.
- Skills & Experience
- Advanced Analytics: Mastery of predictive modelling and data synthesis to translate raw SCADA/Prism telemetry into actionable long-term strategy.
- Strategic Diplomacy: Exceptional influencing skills with the ability to navigate boardroom-level discussions and gain buy-in from cross-functional stakeholders.
- Systems Thinking: Deep expertise in resource optimisation, balancing short-term tactical volatility with multi-year asset health goals.
- Narrative Data Presentation: A sophisticated ability to distil complex risk profiles and performance metrics into clear, executive-level narratives.
We recognise creativity comes from diversity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all, through recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package
- 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.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
Network Strategy Lead employer: South East Water UK
At South East Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Network Strategy Lead, you will benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and flexible leave options, while also having the opportunity to mentor and lead a talented team in a role that directly impacts our community's water quality and service reliability. Our commitment to employee growth and diversity ensures that you will thrive in an environment that values your contributions and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Strategy Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend events, webinars, or local meetups related to utilities and water management. This is a great way to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements in network strategy and operational resilience. Share articles or insights on smart networks and predictive maintenance to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to network architecture and strategic governance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented data-driven strategies in past roles and how you can bring that experience to our team.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Strategy Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Network Strategy Lead. Highlight your experience in network operations, strategic planning, and any relevant technical skills that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or implemented strategic initiatives in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical qualifications and experiences. We want to see your mastery in predictive modelling and data synthesis, so make sure to include relevant projects or achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Water UK
✨Know Your Network Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of network architecture and operational resilience. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in Smart Network technologies and how they can be integrated into daily workflows. This will not only show your technical expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time situations. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions during incidents. Be ready to discuss how you would handle hydraulic impact assessments or develop contingency plans under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Network Strategy Lead, your ability to mentor and lead is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly in coaching teams and bridging gaps between departments. Discuss how you've successfully influenced stakeholders and driven strategic initiatives in previous roles.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
You’ll need to distil complex data and risk profiles into clear narratives for executive reporting. Practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
