Scientific Services Quality Manager

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientific Services Quality Manager to come join our Water Quality team here at Bristol Water/South West Water. Read on to find out more or apply here …

What will you be doing?

As the Scientific Services Quality Manager you will ensure that all services and processes meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and regulatory requirements, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

The Scientific Services Quality Manager will report into the Scientific Services Manager and will have line management responsibility for Quality Control Analysts/Officers.

Salary: Up to Circa £43,300 depending on skills and experience

Day to day you'll be...

• Maintaining the quality management system (QMS) by upholding UKAS accreditation against the ISO17025 in accordance with the Drinking Water within Scientific Services, to comply with the Water Quality Regulations and associated guidance documentation.
• Implementing enhancements to the QMS in response to relevant changes in the standards and regulations or to realise efficiency savings and changing business objectives.
• Ensuring the requirements of the QMS are met by other departments in the company where relevant.
• Responsible for document control, equipment databases, calibration schedules and method validation to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Maintaining the internal audit program to ensure compliance with all appropriate policies, procedures and legislation.
• Undertaking external audits of critical suppliers (analytical services provider) to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Investigating complaints / nonconforming work to determine root cause, reporting findings and implementation of corrective actions or improvements as necessary.
• Participation in management review meetings, presenting KPI and progress reports.
• Collaborating with colleagues at various levels across the group.

What we are looking for:

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Qualification in Internal/External Auditing against ISO17025 or equivalent
• Degree or equivalent in Science
• Chartered status in Quality Management or equivalent
• Excellent computer literacy with MS Office, particularly Excel and its statistical application
• Experience of implementing and managing a quality management system, ideally in a regulated industry
• Experience of change management for new or enhanced processes
• Working knowledge of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations and good working knowledge of UKAS Accreditation ISO 17025 DWTS
• Ability to propose ideas, influence change, communicate and negotiate actions confidently, in a verbal and written format
• Ability to organise and plan efficiently on a daily and weekly basis to meet deadlines and schedules
• Able to create, follow and encourage others to adhere to strict procedures methodically and consistently
• Accurately record, statistically analyse and interpret data
• Able to work as part of a team or alone, with no supervision
• Excellent people management skills: office based and remote staff
• Demonstrable effective written and verbal communication skills at all levels
• Personal effectiveness

What's in it for you:

As well as working in a great supportive team, the role also offers:

• 10% bonus opportunity
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays (you can also buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Pension: We put in 10% if you put in 6%
• Flexible, supportive friendly working environment
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts via our portal
• Opportunity for some home working if agreed by manager
• Free onsite parking when you’re in the office

If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as our Scientific Services Quality Manager - 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.

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to send your details to our Talent Acquisition Team.