At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to ensure safe and efficient water supply for millions of customers.
- Company: Join the UK's largest water and wastewater company, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, car allowance, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop talent and foster collaboration within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital service that impacts communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in a fast-paced operational environment.
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. In this exciting and high‑profile position, you will play a key role in creating and delivering the essential service of water supply for our millions of customers and the communities we serve, both today and in the future.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that all operational activity is carried out by Thames Water and third‑party contractors in a safe, timely and efficient manner with a zero‑compromise approach to health, safety and public health.
- Manage the operational and financial performance, including a budget of up to £5m and a customer base of around 1 million, ensuring outputs align with and support Thames Water’s Outcome Delivery Incentives set by the regulator.
- Proactively monitor and manage operational and financial risk across the area while adhering to all health and safety and Streetworks legislation, ensuring no cost is incurred due to failed operational processes or policy management.
- Reduce leakage throughout the area, improve environmental impact, deliver consistent service to reduce customer supply interruptions, and respond to customer needs.
- Build relationships with staff, foster a culture of collaboration, and support future talent development within the workforce.
- Partner with stakeholders and contractors to identify risks and opportunities across safety, public health, customer, people, finance and asset performance.
- Support strategic planning, investment and risk mitigation alongside asset management teams to ensure seamless handovers and cross‑company collaboration.
- Lead a team of up to 30–40 people, including 7–10 direct reports across London / Thames Valley.
Qualifications
- Excellent operations site leadership experience in a performance‑driven, constantly changing environment.
- Strategic thinking with effective commercial acumen to deliver against operational targets.
- Strong communication skills, resilience and tenacity in a challenging environment.
- Significant experience leading and developing teams over a large geographical region.
- Experience managing contractor relationships.
- Uncompromising approach to Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
- Customer‑service mindset as the number one priority.
- Experience developing and maintaining routine operational grip and event response leadership.
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, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
- Enhanced maternity leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
- Access to a range of benefits for health, wellbeing and finances, including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy and counselling, cycle‑to‑work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
About the Company
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water. We build a better future for all by helping customers, communities, people and the planet thrive.
Area Operations Manager (Water) employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the essential service of water supply for millions. With a strong commitment to health, safety, and employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative culture. Join us in London / Thames Valley, where your leadership will help shape the future of our communities and the environment.
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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current Thames Water employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thames Water's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for water supply and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and operational challenges. We want to see your strategic thinking and how you handle tough situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thames Water.
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 leadership, budget management, and team development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Thames Water!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about water supply and how you can contribute to our goals. Be sure to mention your customer-service mindset and commitment to health and safety.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or reduced costs in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Area Operations Manager, you'll be managing a budget of up to £5m. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Be specific about the outcomes you achieved and how they align with operational targets.
✨Safety First
With a strong focus on health and safety, make sure you can articulate your uncompromising approach to these areas. Prepare examples of how you've ensured safety in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. This will show that you take this responsibility seriously.
✨Team Leadership Experience
You'll be leading a team of 30-40 people, so come prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and fostered collaboration within your teams. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Stakeholder Engagement
Building relationships with stakeholders is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully partnered with contractors or other departments to achieve common goals. Be ready to discuss how you identify risks and opportunities in these partnerships.
