At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Catchment Cleansing Programme and coordinate essential wastewater activities.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, competitive pension, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential infrastructure services while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in wastewater operations, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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.
We're looking for an experienced and driven Operations Cleansing Manager to lead our Cleansing Team and deliver a high-impact Catchment Cleansing Programme. We welcome applications from candidates based in Devon and Cornwall, with the role requiring regular travel across the South West.
In this role, you'll take ownership of planning and coordinating essential wastewater cleansing activity across our network, ensuring efficient delivery through both internal teams and contractor partners. Working closely with operational, planning, and asset management teams, you'll be responsible for maximising performance, driving efficiencies, and ensuring programmes deliver real value within budget.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and enjoys balancing strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and manage the delivery of the Catchment Cleansing Programme
- Coordinate resources (including JetVac and Cityflex teams) to ensure efficient programme execution
- Prioritise work effectively, making timely, data-driven decisions on resource deployment
- Work collaboratively with operational and asset management teams to optimise programme outcomes
- Monitor performance, track resource utilisation, and identify opportunities for improvement
- Provide regular reporting on delivery, progress, and key risks or bottlenecks
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and long-term value
What we are looking for:
You'll be a confident leader with strong operational judgement and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
Essential experience & skills:
- Experience in wastewater operations, environmental services, or resource planning
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Leadership experience supporting operational teams
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and resource planning systems
- Minimum of 5 years' relevant industry experience
Desirable:
- Project management experience
- Financial awareness and experience managing budgets or driving efficiencies
Why Join Us?
You'll play a key role in delivering essential infrastructure services that make a real difference. In return, we offer a supportive environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to shape how operational programmes are delivered in the future.
30 days annual leave + bank holidays
Bonus
Private Healthcare
Company car or cash for car allowance
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: 6th July 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.
Operations Cleansing Manager in Devon employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With a commitment to sustainability and community impact, our Operations Cleansing Manager role provides the opportunity to lead vital projects in some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes, while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and continuous development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the water sector and be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and innovation.
