Closing Date2025-11-19Job Title: Head of Wastewater TreatmentLocation: We can be flexible on base location within our region: Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Travel to sites across the region will be required with stakeholder meetings likely to take place in our Worthing Head Office. We offer hybrid working with the opportunity to work from home part of the week.Contract Type: PermanentHours: 37 hours per week, Monday - FridaySalary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience + £500 monthly car allowance, single PMI, and up to 20% bonusJob OverviewSouthern Water is entering a critical phase in its transformation journey, and our wastewater treatment operations are at the heart of it. We are seeking a dynamic and resilient leader to take on the role of Head of Wastewater Treatment, a pivotal position responsible for leading a workforce of circa 400 employees across 360 sewage treatment works.This is a high-impact operational leadership role, reporting into the Wastewater Operations Director. You will be accountable for ensuring compliance with Environmental Agency permits, maintaining low pollution levels, and delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable wastewater treatment services to our 4.5 million customers.With AMP8 marking the start of a reinvestment journey, this role demands strong people leadership, operational grit, and the ability to engage a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. You’ll be instrumental in driving cultural change, improving engagement, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all employees in a high-risk, 24/7 operational environment.Responsibilities will include, but are not limited toLead and inspire a team of c.400 operators, scientists, and engineers across 360 treatment sites.Ensure full compliance with EA permits and environmental regulations, maintaining low pollution levels and high operational standards.Champion health, safety, and wellbeing across all treatment operations.Drive operational excellence and resilience, optimising processes and promoting circular economy principles (e.g., renewable energy from sludge).Act as a visible and trusted leader within local communities, ensuring our sites are good neighbours.Engage and unify a workforce with varied levels of engagement, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.Collaborate with technical experts to deliver strategic improvements and prepare for future regulatory challenges.Manage operational risks and contingency planning in a complex, high-pressure environment.About YouWe’re looking for a seasoned operational leader with:Proven experience leading large, remote workforces in complex, regulated environments—ideally wastewater treatment or similar process-driven industries (e.g., manufacturing, energy).Exceptional people leadership skills with a strong focus on safety, wellbeing, and engagement.The ability to navigate legacy challenges and drive positive cultural change.Operational resilience and the ability to lead through uncertainty and transformation.Strong stakeholder management skills, including community engagement and regulatory liaison.A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.Experience managing compliance, risk, and performance in a 24/7 operational setting.PackageThis role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between sites across our region and home.We are offering a competitive salary dependent on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:• Company and performance-related bonus• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary• Health benefits through a Cash Plan• Two paid community volunteering days a year• 25 days annual holiday• Occupational health service• Perkbox benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications• We offer competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work optionsJoin Southern Water and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers and the environment.Why Southern Water?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.At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.This is more than a role; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.
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