At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical maintenance and support field teams in delivering safe, compliant services.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while working in stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering qualifications and experience in maintenance and fault-finding.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. 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. Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
We're looking for a highly skilled Mechanical Specialist to join our Waste Water Services M&E team. This is a pivotal regional role, based from either Devon or Cornwall with travel across the South West, ensuring our mechanical assets are safe, reliable, and performing at their best. If you're passionate about raising standards, solving complex engineering challenges, and supporting field teams to deliver safe, best-practice maintenance, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What you'll be doing:
- As our Mechanical Specialist, you will be the technical lead for mechanical maintenance across the region.
- Provide specialist support and advice to mechanical field teams and M&E Maintenance Managers.
- Ensure consistent, safe, and compliant delivery of mechanical maintenance activities.
- Support and guide teams on ATEX, DSEAR, permits, safety documentation, and mechanical governance.
- Lead technical investigations, evaluate risks, and advise on best practice and compliance.
- Develop and maintain mechanical safety policies, LOTOTO systems, and operating procedures.
- Represent the function in procurement, design scoping, industry working groups, and engineering forums.
- Lead and deliver the mechanical coordinated and appointed person training.
- Lead introduction of the mechanical safety rules/policy, including continuous review to ensure a practical solution is achieved whilst remaining compliant.
What we're looking for:
- Advanced mechanical maintenance and fault-finding capability.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering safety, legislation, and best practice.
- Experience working with hydraulics, pneumatics, pumping systems, dosing systems, odour control, and wider water/wastewater process equipment.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with the confidence to challenge and guide others.
- Strong problem-solving ability and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to build effective partnerships.
- Knowledge of the UK water industry (desirable).
Essential:
- Time-served mechanical apprenticeship with relevant formal qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, ONC, BTEC).
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
- Demonstrable field-based mechanical maintenance experience.
- Mechanical AP competencies.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Working toward or holding IEng registration.
- CompEx Ex14 (or willingness to achieve within 12 months).
- IOSH or NEBOSH safety qualifications.
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share-save scheme.
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes.
- Group discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Financial support services.
- Development and training opportunities.
- ... and much more!
Closing Date: 20th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 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.
Mechanical Specialist in Cheltenham employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Mechanical Specialist, you'll benefit from generous holiday allowances, competitive pensions, and extensive development opportunities while working in the breathtaking landscapes of Devon or Cornwall. Join us in our mission to provide safe, reliable water services and contribute to a greener future, all while shaping your own career in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Specialist in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Mechanical Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss mechanical maintenance, safety legislation, and best practices. We want to see your passion for solving engineering challenges!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experience where you tackled complex issues and improved processes. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your continuous improvement mindset!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a splash in the water sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Specialist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mechanical Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical maintenance and any specific projects that showcase your skills. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the water industry shine through! Talk about why you're excited about working with South West Water and how you can contribute to our goals of sustainability and innovation. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at South West Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Mechanical Stuff
Brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around hydraulics, pneumatics, and pumping systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience where you've solved complex engineering challenges or improved maintenance processes.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with ATEX, DSEAR, and other safety regulations relevant to the role. Prepare to explain how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach safety documentation and governance in this position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication and influencing skills. Think of instances where you've successfully guided teams or challenged practices. Be prepared to demonstrate how you can build effective partnerships and lead training sessions.
✨Embrace Continuous Improvement
Highlight your problem-solving abilities and continuous improvement mindset. Share examples of how you've implemented best practices or developed policies that enhanced mechanical safety or operational efficiency in previous roles.
