Process Scientist in Sandown

Location: Flexible (Sandown - IOW, Hampshire and Chichester)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary: From £35,300 based on skills and experience

About the role:

Your role will be key to provide technical support on all aspects & operational processes of Wastewater, sludge treatment, waste management and R&D. You will monitor and oversee the operation of Wastewater Treatment processes, including setting individual site Operating Plans, Site Process Activity Manual, optimisation of chemicals, power, all whilst ensuring best possible compliance.

What you will be responsible for:

• Implement operating methods to ensure final effluent compliance at the WTW, suggesting and delivering optimisation to help the business meet its challenging budget needs.
• Review and anticipate compliance risks, protect the environment and assist delivery of capex investment.
• Fully investigate pollution incidents across the Wastewater Treatments Works, taking a collaborative approach with your colleagues and the external regulators to protect the environment, minimise, and prevent future pollutions.
• Investigations will be followed up with a site investigation report or process audit, making recommendations on scientific actions required.
• Review and analyse exceptional data and wastewater trends, taking the appropriate action as required, pre-empting any potential process issues and highlighting early warning triggers to possible compliance breaches.
• Make decisions affecting plant and processes to improve operations at sites for which you are responsible, or to mitigate risks and issues.
• Provide technical expertise and support to your colleagues and on-site contractors, taking a key role of a Capital Scheme or remedial work on any Southern Water wastewater treatment works.
• Involved in Asset Management planning, and construction related issues, which may include the delivery of innovative processes or designs, and/or changes to Operational practices.
• Be the key contact to the Field Performance Managers about advice on the operation of site(s) and any risks or changes required.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Ability to manage your work fully empowered and equally work as part of a team.
• Confident communicator, able to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem solving, thinking on the go and prioritising skills are vital to this role.
• Degree in relevant scientific discipline is desirable; however, you must also hold A Levels, HND or preferably first degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
• Wastewater treatment experience preferable but not essential.
• Expected to be on a stand-by rota.

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 the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!”

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.

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. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.