At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a dedicated Instrumentation & Monitoring division within a top engineering firm.
- Company: Join WJ, the UK's leading water management specialist with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, gym access, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of I&M while making a real impact on major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and proven experience in instrumentation and monitoring required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Kings Langley, Hertfordshire
Salary range: £65,000 – £80,000 + company car + private healthcare scheme + gym + performance bonus (with progression as the division grows)
Company car: Company car (available for personal use) with a monthly rental value
Pension: Automatically enrolled into the WJ Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme. Contributions are made at 5% for both employee (minimum) and employer (maximum).
Private Healthcare: At six months of service, option to be enrolled into Westfield Health Cash Plan for Specialist Consultations & Diagnostics, Scanning Service (MRI, CT & PET Scans), Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments (Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy and Osteopathy)
Profit Related Bonus: A profit related annual bonus will be payable in December if WJ meets its profit targets
Group Life Insurance: Automatically included in the WJ Death in Service Group Insurance at 3 times salary after 6-month probation period
Gym Membership: Exclusive, discounted access to thousands of gyms, pools and spas with just one pass via our fitness partner, Hussle
About the role
WJ is investing in the future of Instrumentation & Monitoring and is seeking an experienced leader to establish and grow this exciting part of our business. This is a rare opportunity to build a dedicated I&M division within an established engineering company combining technical leadership, business development and operational management.
You'll take ownership of an established and highly respected monitoring team of 16 professionals comprising a Project Management Team, Data Engineer and skilled field technicians at varying grades while shaping the future direction of our I&M capability. Working on major infrastructure, environmental and groundwater projects across the UK, you'll provide leadership, technical direction and commercial oversight, growing the business towards a standalone I&M division with its own commercial identity.
Why join WJ?
This is more than a management position it's an opportunity to shape the future of Instrumentation & Monitoring within the UK's leading water management specialist. You'll inherit an experienced and capable team, work alongside supportive directors committed to investing in the service, and have the autonomy to build a market leading I&M division with your own ideas, leadership and vision. If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence strategy, develop people, embrace new technologies and leave a lasting legacy, we'd like to hear from you. In return, WJ offers an attractive remuneration package, comprehensive benefits, and investment in your professional development.
About WJ
WJ is the UK’s leading water management specialist the partner and contractor of choice for major construction and infrastructure programmes. Founded by academics and evolved through expertise, we apply scientific principles to solve complex water challenges: over 40 years’ experience and 4,000+ projects worldwide, including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the London Olympic Park, Crossrail, Tideway, HS2 and currently Sizewell C. Our expanding service lines span dewatering & groundwater control, water treatment, surface water management, I&M, pumping tests, well drilling and professional services which are grounded in engineering, delivered in partnership. Our values of Confidence, Pride, Clarity & Integrity, and Independence guide every decision we make, and our ambitions are big: the AMP8 water sector, defence, energy and infrastructure markets.
Reports to: Operations Manager (Line Manager).
Direct Reports: Established monitoring team of 16 staff: Project Management Team (Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Data Engineer and skilled field technicians at varying grades). Shares additional operational staff with instrumentation knowledge and expertise with main operations, with a remit to grow dedicated standalone I&M technician capability.
Key areas of responsibility
- Service Line Development & Business Growth
- Define and implement the strategy, capability roadmap and commercial model for WJ’s I&M service line, working towards a standalone division with its own P&L.
- Develop WJ’s instrumentation fleet, telemetry platforms, supply chain and standard specifications to support a scalable, repeatable offering.
- Support the Head of Business Development and Sales team in identifying, qualifying and winning I&M opportunities, including client presentations, technical proposals and pricing input.
- Expand the offering across groundwater level and quality monitoring, geotechnical instrumentation, environmental (noise, dust and vibration) monitoring, and remote telemetry and data services.
- Monitor market, regulatory and technology developments (sensors, dataloggers, IoT, data platforms) to keep WJ’s offering competitive.
- Team Leadership & Management
- Provide line management and leadership to the established monitoring team of 16 staff, comprising a Lead Engineer, a Data & Telemetry Specialist, a Project Manager and skilled field technicians at varying grades.
- Develop the team structure, competency framework and training plans to grow dedicated I&M technician capability at all grades.
- Coordinate the use of shared operational staff with instrumentation knowledge, working with the Operations Manager to plan resources across projects.
- Set objectives, manage performance, and build a positive, safe and technically excellent team culture.
- Lead recruitment and succession planning as the division grows.
- Technical Authority & Design Support
- Act as WJ’s subject matter expert for instrumentation and monitoring, providing technical support to the design team on monitoring strategy, instrument selection, installation methods and specification.
- Design monitoring programmes covering groundwater levels and quality (piezometers, dataloggers, sampling and laboratory analysis), geotechnical instrumentation (settlement, movement, inclinometers, extensometers), and environmental compliance monitoring (noise, dust, vibration).
- Develop and own WJ’s telemetry and data systems capability, including remote monitoring, dashboards, alarm/trigger management and automated reporting platforms.
- Ensure monitoring programmes satisfy planning conditions, discharge consents, environmental permits and contract specifications.
- Develop standard designs, specifications, method statements and guidance to build I&M capability across the wider business.
- Project Delivery & Operations
- Oversee delivery of all I&M projects and workstreams, from tender support through installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and demobilisation.
- Ensure data quality, instrument calibration, reading schedules and reporting obligations are consistently achieved across all contracts.
- Ensure timely review and escalation of trigger breaches and anomalous data, with clear protocols agreed with clients and project teams.
- Ensure I&M operations comply with WJ’s SHEQ requirements and safe systems of work, including safe access for installation and reading activities.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Provide accurate cost estimates, pricing input and commercial risk assessment for I&M scopes within bids and tenders.
- Manage budgets, equipment utilisation and margins across I&M works, reporting progress towards standalone P&L status.
- Work with the Managing Quantity Surveyor and Finance to ensure I&M contracts are commercially controlled and profitable.
- Reporting & Governance
- Produce regular reports for the Operations Manager and Senior Leadership Team on service line development, project performance, team capability and pipeline support.
- Ensure all I&M activity is aligned with WJ’s IMS, QMS and SHEQ requirements, with auditable data management and record keeping.
Qualifications & Experience
- Essential
- Degree in environmental science, geology, civil/geotechnical engineering, instrumentation or a related science/engineering discipline.
- Proven experience designing, delivering and managing instrumentation and monitoring programmes on construction or infrastructure projects.
- Strong knowledge of groundwater monitoring (levels, quality, sampling and analysis) and geotechnical instrumentation.
- Experience with telemetry and data systems, including dataloggers, remote monitoring, monitoring software and reporting platforms.
- Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead and develop a multi-grade technical team.
- Strong commercial awareness, including estimating and pricing of monitoring scopes.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical solutions to clients and support business development.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Desirable
- Experience of environmental compliance monitoring (noise, dust, vibration) on major construction projects.
- Experience of dewatering, groundwater control or tunnelling projects.
- Experience growing a service line, business unit or P&L.
- Chartered or working towards chartership with a relevant institution (e.g. CIWEM, ICE, Geological Society).
- SMSTS/SSSTS and CSCS site qualifications.
Working Conditions
Based at WJ’s UK Head Office (Kings Langley) with regular travel to project sites, client offices and WJ’s yard facilities across the UK. Site attendance will be required for installations, audits and project oversight, which may occasionally involve out-of-hours working.
Instrumentation & Monitoring Manager in Watford employer: WJ UK
WJ is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on the UK's flagship nuclear new-build project at Sizewell C. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and gym memberships, WJ fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and collaboration. Employees can expect to grow their careers in a dynamic environment, gaining invaluable experience in high-stakes infrastructure projects while being part of a team that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Instrumentation & Monitoring Manager in Watford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation & Monitoring Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Instrumentation & Monitoring Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at WJ UK a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to WJ UK specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at WJ UK
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with WJ UK, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like WJ UK want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
