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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 focused on sustainability.
- 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 committed to building a cleaner, greener future.
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 Exeter. 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.
- Cyle 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 and Treatment Area Manager in Plymouth employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery and Treatment Area Manager in Plymouth
✨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 knowing your stuff! Research the company’s recent projects, especially around environmental initiatives. Show them you’re not just interested in the role but also in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in managing teams and handling operational challenges, as these are key for the Recovery and Treatment Area Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery and Treatment Area Manager in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Recovery and 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 and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've engaged stakeholders effectively in the past.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team confidently. Share specific examples of your leadership experience, especially in operational settings. Let us know how you’ve motivated your team and managed performance to meet targets.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Recovery and Treatment Area Manager. Familiarise yourself with wastewater treatment processes, compliance standards, and environmental protection measures. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you managed performance, resolved conflicts, or improved team dynamics. Highlighting your leadership experience will show that you're ready to take charge of the Waste Water Service Field Delivery Team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you engage stakeholders at all levels and how you handle sensitive issues. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Embrace the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's core values: Be Rock Solid, Be You, and Be the Future. Think about how your personal values align with these and be ready to share examples during the interview. Showing that you resonate with their culture can make a positive impression.