At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate water network connections and conduct audits to ensure compliance and safety.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Earn up to £35,000 plus additional payments, with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to your growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water sustainability and community solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in compliance investigations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Kent, Sussex and Hampshire (3 roles total – 1 per area) - Field‑based role. Full UK driving licence essential. Hybrid working: 4 days field‑based, remaining time working from home.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary: Up to £35,000 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 Water’s network. The team investigates water network connections and delivers the Internal Audit Programme across our operational areas. This role focuses on identifying unauthorised or non‑compliant 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 non‑compliant connections to the water network, including standpipe use.
- Delivering planned and reactive audits, including health and safety, water hygiene, and compliance audits.
- Producing clear, evidence‑based 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 you’ll 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 Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025–30, 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 apply—even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every requirement. We’ll support your growth and development.
If this role isn’t quite right but you’d like to hear about future opportunities, you can register here: Introduce Yourself – 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 Water’s 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 pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw an offer if these checks are not successfully completed.
Network Connections Investigator in Chatham employer: SouthernWaterServices
Contact Detail:
SouthernWaterServices Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Connections Investigator in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Southern Water's values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having someone on the inside can give you valuable insights and even a referral, which can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to compliance and investigations. Think about how your past experiences align with the role of a Network Connections Investigator and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the team at Southern Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Connections Investigator in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in regulatory and compliance investigations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Network Connections Investigator, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've assessed evidence or interpreted complex information in your previous roles. We love seeing clear, structured thought processes!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water network operations and compliance regulations. Familiarise yourself with common issues like illegal connections and standpipe use, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. Think of specific examples where you assessed evidence or interpreted complex information, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the investigative aspects of the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves producing structured reports and coaching teams, being able to communicate effectively will be crucial during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Continuous Improvement
Think about how you've identified trends or recurring issues in previous roles and what steps you took to drive improvements. This shows that you're proactive and committed to enhancing compliance and performance.