At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for Thames Water, ensuring safety and efficiency across a large team.
- Company: Join Thames Water, a leader in water management with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, car allowance, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in water management while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and a focus on health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
We are looking for an Area Operations Manager to join Thames Water on a full‑time, permanent basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all operational activity involving Thames Water and third‑party contractors is carried out safely and efficiently.
- Accountable for operational and financial performance, with a budget of up to £5 m and around 1 million customers.
- Monitor and manage risk, both operational and financial, and maintain compliance with health and safety, public health and Streetworks legislation.
- Reduce leakage, minimise supply interruptions and respond to customer needs.
- Build relationships with staff and contractors, drive engagement and provide development pathways.
- Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels for safety, customer, people, finance and asset performance.
- Contribute to future planning, investment and risk mitigation at a strategic level with asset‑management teams.
- Lead a team of 30–40 people, with 7–10 direct reports across London/Thames Valley.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent operations site‑leadership experience in a performance‑driven environment.
- Strategic thinking with commercial acumen to deliver operational targets.
- Strong communication skills, resilience and tenacity.
- Significant experience leading and developing teams over a large geographical region.
- Experience managing contractor relationships.
- Uncompromising commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
- Customer‑service focus.
- Experience maintaining operational grip and providing event‑response leadership.
- Disability Confidence as required.
Benefits
- Salary up to £65,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- 26 days holiday per year (increasing to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays).
- Car allowance.
- Annual bonus.
- Generous pension scheme through AON.
- Private medical health care.
- Generous paternity leave: 4 weeks paid and optional 2 weeks unpaid.
- Enhanced maternity leave: 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
- Support for health and wellbeing: annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, life assurance.
Thames Water is a Disability Confident employer. We offer an interview to any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role.
Area Operations Manager (Water) employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where operational excellence meets a commitment to employee wellbeing. With a focus on professional development and a supportive culture, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health support, all while contributing to vital water services for over a million customers in London and the Thames Valley. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, innovation, and community engagement.
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Operations Manager (Water)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thames Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Thames Water's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experience managing teams and contractors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Operations Manager (Water)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Area Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in operations site leadership and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Use it to demonstrate your strong communication skills and how you've successfully led teams in performance-driven environments.
Showcase Your Team Leadership:Since you'll be leading a team of 30-40 people, it's crucial to highlight your experience in developing and managing teams. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and driven engagement in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Area Operations Manager, you'll be accountable for a budget of up to £5 million. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Bring specific examples of how you’ve improved operational performance while keeping costs in check.
✨Safety First
Health and safety is a big deal in this role. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be prepared to talk about how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. Share any initiatives you've led that improved safety standards or reduced risks.
✨Team Leadership Stories
You'll be leading a sizeable team, so come armed with stories that showcase your leadership style. Think about times when you’ve developed team members or resolved conflicts. Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams across large geographical areas.
✨Customer-Centric Mindset
Thames Water values a strong customer-service focus. Be ready to discuss how you've responded to customer needs in the past. Share examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders and contractors to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
