At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of M&E technicians to ensure reliable wastewater services.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Mechanical or Electrical apprenticeship and management experience required.
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.
We're looking for an experienced and driven M&E Maintenance Manager to lead a team of mechanical and electrical technicians, ensuring the reliability and performance of critical wastewater assets. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll combine strong technical expertise with people management to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient operational performance. You'll play a key role in maintaining asset resilience, responding to complex issues, and driving continuous improvement across maintenance activities.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and develop a team of M&E technicians, providing technical guidance and day-to-day direction
- Ensure the availability, serviceability, and compliance of operational assets
- Plan and prioritise maintenance activities, balancing reactive and planned work
- Respond to operational incidents, diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues
- Build strong relationships with operational teams, contractors, and suppliers
- Drive continuous improvement in maintenance standards, processes, and efficiency
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety standards, including risk assessments and permits
- Manage budgets (OPEX & CAPEX) and support effective decision-making and escalation where needed
- Support and develop team members through performance management and development plans
What we're looking for:
- Mechanical or Electrical apprenticeship (or equivalent)
- Recognised management qualification
- Experience leading teams within an engineering or process-based environment
- Strong background in maintenance of mechanical and/or electrical assets
- Ideally experience within water, wastewater, or a similar industrial environment
- (NEBOSH and CompEx qualifications are desirable)
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong technical understanding of M&E systems and maintenance principles
- Proven leadership and people management skills
- Ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing demands
- Experience in root cause analysis and continuous improvement
- Knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practices
- Confident using IT systems and MS Office
What's in it for you?
- 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!
If you're a proactive leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for delivering operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 11th 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 & Electrical Maintenance Manager employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions truly matter. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits, and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive in their careers while making a positive impact on the environment. Join us in our mission to provide safe, reliable water services across the stunning landscapes of the South West, and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at South West Water. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for M&E Maintenance Managers. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to showcase your technical expertise and leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at South West Water. Let’s make a splash together!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your leadership and technical expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical understanding, be sure to include any relevant qualifications and experiences related to mechanical and electrical systems. Mention any specific tools or methodologies you’re familiar with that could benefit our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and electrical systems knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific maintenance principles and how you've applied them in past roles. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but also technically savvy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you provided guidance or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you can lead the M&E technicians effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's mission and sustainability initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around continuous improvement and operational excellence. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific operational incidents or complex technical issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will help you convey your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the challenges of the role.
