At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate water network connections and ensure compliance through audits and reporting.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Up to ÂŁ35,000 salary, bonuses, generous pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water safety and sustainability while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in compliance investigations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Kent, Sussex and Hampshire (3 roles total â 1 per area) - Fieldâbased role. Full UK driving licence essential. Hybrid working: 4 days fieldâbased, remaining time working from home.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary: Up to ÂŁ35,000 per annum (with opportunity to earn additional payments through standby rota participation)
About the role
You will join a specialist team responsible for protecting the integrity of Southern Waterâs network. The team investigates water network connections and delivers the Internal Audit Programme across our operational areas. This role focuses on identifying unauthorised or nonâcompliant connections, including standpipe use, and completing statutory and operational audits. You will work closely with operational teams and contractors to improve compliance, safety, and performance across the network.
What you will be responsible for:
- Investigating suspected unauthorised or nonâcompliant connections to the water network, including standpipe use.
- Delivering planned and reactive audits, including health and safety, water hygiene, and compliance audits.
- Producing clear, evidenceâbased reports that identify root causes, risks, and corrective actions.
- Applying sound investigative judgement when reviewing complex or sensitive cases.
- Supporting performance improvement through coaching, mentoring, and professional challenge.
Additional requirements specific to the role:
- Coach and support teams and contractors to resolve findings and strengthen compliance.
- Identify trends, risks, and recurring issues to drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate, auditable records in line with governance and safety standards.
What youâll bring to the role:
Essential
- Experience in regulatory, compliance, or operational investigations, ideally within utilities or infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of water network operations, including illegal connections and standpipe use.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess evidence and interpret complex information.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across operational areas.
Desirable
- Confident communication and influencing skills, including coaching operational teams and contractors.
- Experience producing clear, structured reports for operational and governance audiences.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, industry standards, and audit frameworks relating to water quality, safety, and compliance.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britainâs water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With ÂŁ7.8bn planned investment for 2025â30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in how water services are managed.
We understand that great talent comes in many forms. If this role excites you and you share our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our communities, please applyâeven if your experience doesnât perfectly match every requirement. Weâll support your growth and development.
If this role isnât quite right but youâd like to hear about future opportunities, you can register here: Introduce Yourself â Southern Water (Workday)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information
In line with Southern Waterâs security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, a criminal record check (DBS), and verification of employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory completion of all preâemployment checks, including security vetting. Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw an offer if these checks are not successfully completed.
Interested in the role?
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration. We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.
Our Benefits
- Company and performance-related bonus
- Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
- Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
- Health benefits through a Cash Plan
- Two paid community volunteering days a year
- 25 days annual holiday
- Occupational health service
- Retail discount app
- We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options
Everybody Welcome
We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to facilitate your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Network Connections Investigator in Chatham employer: Southern Water group
Contact Detail:
Southern Water group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Network Connections Investigator in Chatham
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Southern Water and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Network Connections Investigator. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Connections Investigator in Chatham
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Network Connections Investigator role. Highlight your experience in regulatory or compliance investigations, especially within utilities, to show us youâre the right fit!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: We want to see your strong analytical skills in action! When writing your application, include examples of how you've assessed evidence and interpreted complex information in past roles. This will help us understand your investigative judgement.
Be Clear and Concise: When producing your application documents, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your reports well. We appreciate clear, evidence-based communication, so make sure your application reflects that.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for the role. Plus, it shows us youâre keen on joining our team at Southern Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water network operations, especially around illegal connections and standpipe use. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and industry standards, as this will show your commitment to compliance and safety during the interview.
â¨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used your analytical skills to assess evidence or interpret complex information. Think about how you can present these experiences clearly, as theyâll want to see your investigative judgement in action.
â¨Practice Your Communication
Since the role involves coaching and influencing teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain how you would handle a non-compliant connection, so being able to communicate effectively is key.
â¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to compliance audits or investigations. Prepare by thinking through how you would approach these scenarios, focusing on problem-solving and continuous improvement strategies.