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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams in wastewater operations across Devon & Cornwall.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, bonus, car allowance, pension, health benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong budget management skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is our strength; we celebrate uniqueness and foster inclusion.
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 are proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the teams across Devon & Cornwall responsible for operating and maintaining our sewage treatment works, sludge treatment facilities, terminal pumping stations, and wider pumping station network. This is a key leadership role that ensures we meet Environment Agency permits, legislative requirements, and serviceability standards while creating a safe, high-performing, and engaged workforce.
If you are passionate about operational excellence, people leadership, and delivering essential services to communities, we would love to hear from you.
What you will be doing:
- Provide inspiring leadership, engagement, and development for Wastewater teams, covering Waste Water Treatment Services, Pumping Stations, Sludge Treatment Centres, Sewerage Network operations, and customer service response, creating a supportive and inclusive working environment.
- Oversee the safe operation and routine maintenance of treatment assets, pumping stations, and sludge facilities in line with all company, environmental, and legislative requirements.
- Build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including the Environment Agency, local communities, and customer focus groups.
- Ensure full compliance with company procedures, including the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Deliver the Waste Water Business Plan and ensure all Operational Business Objectives and Targets are met (including WW Compliance, Pollution incidents, Storm Overflows, Bioresources, and Sewer Flooding).
- Ensure Health & Safety excellence and drive continuous improvement in Homesafe culture.
- Deliver consistent improvements in environmental performance and customer experience (CMEX).
- Manage and govern OPEX and Reactive CAPEX budgets effectively, providing clear monthly reporting and action plans.
- Support the management of key contracts across Wastewater.
- Represent the business in community forums and occasionally with media if required.
- Identify and promote improvements for inclusion in the capital programme.
What we are looking for:
- Proven leadership experience in an operational environment.
- Strong experience managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets.
- Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams.
- Recognised management training or development qualification.
- Desirable: IOSH or NEBOSH qualification (or willingness to obtain).
What’s in it for you:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success, so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We are one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- A car allowance
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 24th February 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.
Operations Manager employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨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, which can really boost your chances.
✨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 how you can contribute to our mission of sustainability and community support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences managing teams and budgets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for operational excellence and people leadership shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission of delivering essential services to communities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets. We’re looking for proven leadership in an operational environment, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that make you a great fit for our team. Remember, we celebrate uniqueness!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into South West Water's mission and values. Understand their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on operational excellence and people development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Budget Management Insights
Since managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've effectively governed budgets in previous positions and any strategies you've implemented to improve financial performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Building strong relationships is key in this role. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with internal and external stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building these relationships at South West Water, especially with the Environment Agency and local communities.
