At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure top-notch performance of sewer networks in Kent.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in the utilities industry with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills; experience in operational management or utilities is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £52k depending on skills and experience
Company Car Included: Yes
Location: Ashford, Kent
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 2026-07-17
About the role
As a Network Manager, you will be responsible for the productivity and performance of sewer networks in Kent, maintaining service standards to ensure that we meet our strategic targets, regulatory compliance and leading a team of sewer network engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Accountable for network performance within the Kent area, managing operational risk and ensuring that the right capital and operating expenditure plans are in place.
- Managing the OPEX budget for your area and coaching and mentoring your team with a focus on employee engagement to deliver performance at least cost.
- Ensuring that right controls are in place for value, safety, compliance and service risk.
- To balance demands and expectations of team, people, resources, compliance, efficiency, quality of the asset and demands from other parts of the business in identifying solutions to problems.
- Working with service provider equivalents (Lanes – O&M, CBUL – Civils & McAllister – Lining) to ensure efficient delivery of operations.
- Building relationships across Southern Water to ensure that business units work in a coordinated fashion.
- Providing out of hours advice and support to manage incident response when required.
- Taking accountability of reactive issues within geographical area such as burst rising mains, ensuring contingency plans are implemented and monitored until issue is resolved.
- Ensuring effective controls are in place to identify, manage and mitigate risks, including regulatory compliance, financial compliance, service delivery, health and safety, and contingency and infiltration reduction plans.
Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you should have strong leadership skills and experience in pursuing Operational Excellence standards. It is highly advantageous if you have a degree or relevant qualification and have worked within the utilities industry. However, we welcome applicants from an operational management background who have the passion to make a difference. You will need to be able to analyse management information to understand trends and identify problems with good financial acumen.
Additional Information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Network Manager employer: Southern Water
Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental sustainability and compliance. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development in the utilities sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us in making a meaningful impact on water management and environmental protection in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Southern Water and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Southern Water!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Southern Water keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Southern Water:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Southern Water. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Southern Water.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Southern Water that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Southern Water. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
