Principal Scientist (2628)

South West Water Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 52,000

Job description

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Would you like to use your knowledge and experience to progress a trusted and collaborative company that focuses on the future?

About the role:

We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Principal Scientist to join our team based in Exeter. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £47k to £52k per annum depending on skills and experience plus a range of excellent company benefits + rewards.

In this role you will lead a team of Water Quality Scientists and provide and manage high quality technical support to Drinking Water Services in all areas of the drinking water supply from source to tap, ensuring that the public health of the customer base is protected, whilst ensuring that existing assets are optimised and maintained to meet current financial and water quality requirements.

Utilising your knowledge and experience, the Principal Scientist will advise and influence Asset Owner of the current and emerging Regulatory Framework, minimising the Company’s exposure to risk by developing short and medium term solutions. A key aspect will be managing the resolution of customer enquiries relating to water quality and meeting the expectations of all stakeholders. With a dedicated approach, you will ensure we achieve the highest quality at all times for our customers, colleagues, the environment, and our stakeholders by putting “Quality First”.

What you’ll be doing:

• Be a proactive member of the Water Quality Management Team, helping to formulate strategy to meet the business objectives of the Company with the specific input into the Water Quality and Water Treatment business plan.
• Assist the Water Quality Manager in the preparation of an operating plan and budget to ensure that cost, efficiency and Regulatory standards are achieved. Manage own budgetary line, keeping expenditure within budget.
• Recruit, assess, motivate and review the performance of members of the Water Quality Scientist team providing training and guidance where required to enable their continual professional development, ensuring optimum scientific support to the business.
• Ensure that a strategy is devised and implemented to comply with Health Safety & Security Policies; actively promoting our HomeSafe principles.
• Ensure that all current UK and EC legislation is adhered to, in particular that relating to drinking water quality.
• Take action to maintain public health by identifying risks and ensuring that the appropriate remedial measures are communicated where applicable to the Health Protection Agency, Local Authority, Drinking Water Inspectorate and other Regulators.
• Advise Operational Managers when ‘trigger point’ situations have been reached and give guidance on and assistance with the implementation of remedial action.
• Provide direction, support and advice during emergencies and incidents, including acting as Incident Manager and participating in standby.
• Manage the review of operational practices and processes, identifying opportunities for improvements in efficiency and productivity whilst minimising the Company’s exposure to risk.
• Promote, consider and appraise investment proposals, to assess if investment will resolve asset or operational deficiencies.
• Maintain and improve the standard of customer contact, both with the general public and external authorities or organisations, so that the Company image is enhanced and promoted.
• Influence colleagues in other parts of the Company ensuring that there are no nontrivial process deviations which may give risks to plant, operating personnel, the general public health of consumers or the environment.
• Ensure that commissioning operations for new schemes allow a smooth transition where changes to process are required, with no adverse effects on water quality or the environment.
• Continually review and maintain the quality management systems across the Company.
• Ensure effective planning and delivery of scientific and technical support to Asset Manager, Asset Owner, Operations & Customer Manager, taking into account emerging regulatory requirements.
• Identify information requirements to manage resources in a cost effective manner without compromising quality for current needs and future requirements.
• Review and critically assess Method Statements and Risk Assessments to ensure the Company position is protected along with its customer base.
• Manage and provide out of hours Water Quality advice, reporting and liaison arrangements.
• Promote Drinking Water Safety Planning and Quality First principles.
• Develop a strong network of external contacts in Local Authorities, Health Protection Units, Quality Regulators and Government Departments.

What we are looking for:

• Relevant scientific degree or higher.
• Corporate membership of a relevant scientific professional body for example IWA chartered scientist, CIWEM, RSC (Desirable).
• Previous managerial experience, ideally with considerable experience in a scientific operational water industry role.
• Advanced computing and presentation skills.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the relevant water quality and environmental legislation.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of water treatment processes and water distribution activities.
• Knowledge of the implications of consumer, health & safety and employment legislation.
• Committed to managing and promoting a strong team and supporting self-development of individual team members to optimise performance.
• Flexible approach to work.
• Clear and concise communication.
• Promotion of excellence in customer services.
• Full UK Driving licence.

What's in it for you:

At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:

• Job needs car.
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
• Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility.
• Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme.
• We offer free car parking at the majority of our sites.
• Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave.
• Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose.
• Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes.
• We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform.
• Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers.
• Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more through Perkbox.
• A range of group discounts: The Dell Advantage Programme, Virgin Media Affinity Scheme, Vodaphone Advantage and more.
• A discretionary Bonus.
• Competitive Contributory Pension.
• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 15th April 2025

If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as our Principal Scientist - we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.