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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure safe and efficient wastewater treatment operations.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science; management experience preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
We're looking for a Recovery and Treatment Area Manager to join our team in Plympton. This is a fantastic chance to join an established and trusted company, play a key part in protecting the environment, and lead a team responsible for delivering vital services to our customers.
About the role:
As the Recovery and Treatment Area Manager, you will lead the Waste Water Service Field Delivery Team, managing performance, development and day-to-day operations across wastewater treatment assets. You'll ensure treated effluent and re-cycled sludge consistently meet regulatory standards and support the effective running of wastewater pump stations and networks.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the business to keep our sites running smoothly, ensure a robust planned maintenance schedule, respond to operational needs, and maintain exceptional levels of environmental protection.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading a team of operatives to deliver safe, compliant and efficient operation of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), meeting key targets including compliance, energy, income and pollution prevention.
- Minimising pollution risks and maintaining a Pure Environment.
- Owning root cause investigations and ensuring internal SLA targets are met.
- Taking accountability for meeting Health and Safety requirements and driving a positive safety culture.
- Working with Maintenance Managers and Asset Management teams to plan and deliver asset repair and improvement work.
- Managing strategic contracts within Waste Water Services, including JVT, Interworks, Biosolids and Pump Repair.
- Ensuring the welfare, training and development needs of the field team are continuously met.
- Partnering with the Control Centre and SCADA teams to optimise remote operation, reduce reactive events and manage operational costs.
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (A-C) including English, Maths and Science.
- A management qualification or equivalent operational leadership experience (WAMITAB and IOSH desirable or willingness to complete).
- Proven experience managing an operational team.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Confident using MS Office and software systems, with strong presentation skills.
- Ability to manage conflict and handle sensitive issues effectively.
- Willingness to participate in standby rotation for the Duty Recovery & Treatment Area Manager role.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel within the area.
What's in It for You:
We recognise the commitment our people give every day, and in return we offer outstanding training, career opportunities and a generous benefits package, including:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays.
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share-save scheme.
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits.
- Wellbeing and employee support programmes.
- Access to a wide range of discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Financial support services.
- ...and more!
Join us and help shape a cleaner, greener future for the South West.
Closing Date: 11th March 2026.
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.
Recovery & Treatment Area Manager in Exeter employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery & Treatment Area Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a positive impact on the environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and operational management. We want to see how you handle challenges and lead a team effectively.
✨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 serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery & Treatment Area Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Recovery & Treatment Area Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing operational teams and any qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a splash with us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from demonstrating your written and verbal skills. Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of how you've engaged stakeholders effectively in the past. Let’s see that confidence shine through!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and drive performance. In your application, share specific examples of how you've managed teams, tackled challenges, and ensured compliance with health and safety standards. Show us you can be the rock solid leader we need!
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at South West Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Recovery & Treatment Area Manager. Familiarise yourself with wastewater treatment processes and regulations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed operations. Highlight how you’ve handled challenges, improved performance, or fostered a positive safety culture. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Waste Water Service Field Delivery Team effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you engage stakeholders at all levels and manage conflicts. This will show that you can maintain effective relationships within the team and across the business.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's core values: being rock solid, being yourself, and being the future. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a good cultural fit.