Head of Water Supply Sussex

Do you want to lead a vital operation that provides life\’s most essential service to a huge part of the South East?

As our new Head of Water Supply for Sussex, you\’ll be responsible for the \”source to tap\” journey of clean, quality water for thousands of customers.

This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to optimise current operations and shape the future of water supply, all while leading a dedicated team.

You’ll be a key part of our senior management team, with a focus on delivering excellence and continuous improvement.

You will be responsible for ensuring the consistent supply of quality water through effective team management in the Sussex region.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead a multifunctional operations team, fostering a culture of operational excellence, pride, ownership, and continuous improvement.

• Manage source-to-tap operations through effective Process, Maintenance, and Network team management.

• Oversee an operational budget exceeding £12 million annually.

• Define and execute operational activity in collaboration with Asset Management, Central Water Supply, and Engineering Delivery to ensure operations meet required standards and service levels.

• Champion the development and implementation of water quality processes and procedures within the Sussex region.

• Collaborate with the wider operations senior management team to develop and implement continuous improvement plans that maximise operational efficiency while enhancing quality and standards.

• Partner with other operations management teams to deliver consistent network team management practices that optimise customer satisfaction and efficiency.

• Ensure strict compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental regulations, and safe systems of work for all operational staff, embedding a proactive and positive approach to Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the workplace.

• Liaise and maintain strong relationships with the Repair & Maintenance department regarding repair and maintenance activities across the Sussex region network.

• Ensure adequate resources are available, trained, and equipped to deliver required outcomes.

• Provide management support and expertise during incidents.

• Monitor and improve South East Water and contractor performance in the region, ensuring consistency and compliance with South East Water policies and procedures.

• Work with Central Water Supply and other regional teams to establish systems for managing performance reporting for your area, ensuring it is accurate, timely, and visible to the business.

• Take the lead in developing a strong management culture within the operations team, coaching and developing the management team, identifying skill gaps and development opportunities, and providing advice and guidance on management issues as needed.

• Proactively manage and review the performance and progress of the regional management team and their respective regions, setting clear objectives and appropriate targets.

What you\’ll need:

• A comprehensive understanding of water supply networks, including distribution systems, pumping stations, and water treatment processes.

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the current regulatory framework.

• In-depth production knowledge and understanding of water industry quality regulations.

• Proven ability to oversee and optimise operational performance.

• The ability to analyse and interpret data to identify trends, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage field teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to all levels of the organisation.

• The ability to make sound decisions under pressure and meet specified deadlines.

• Significant experience in managing water supply operations.

• Experience working with other enabling teams such as Water Quality, Water Resources, and HR.

• Strong experience in designing and implementing standard processes and procedures.

• Experience with budget management, incident management, and stakeholder management.

• Significant people management skills.

• You\’ll also need a valid driving licence.

It will be a bonus if you have (desirable):

• Previous experience working in a regulated industry would be preferred.

• Project management and organisational skills.