Head of Production

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.

Are you looking for an opportunity to lead and inspire an Operations team working for a FTSE250 company in the South West?

Do you want to make a measurable and sustainable positive impact on our environment and to our customers?

We have an opportunity to join us as Head of Production where you will deliver measurable impact within our Water Services Directorate. You will receive a competitive salary plus a company car and excellent benefits.

About the role:

As Head of Production, you will be an integral part of the Leadership Team within the Operations Directorate where you will influence, be involved in and lead change and implementation initiatives across the Group.

You will be accountable for the management of the operations of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly water resources, water treatment works, sludge treatment and recycling. Through ongoing development and delivery of business plans, improvement plans and initiatives you will ensure the provision of a safe, reliable and high-quality supply of drinking water to customers.

• Managing all aspects of the Devon and Cornwall Drinking Water resources and treatment operations including relevant budgetary, company, regulatory and customer service standards.
• Leading and motivating the teams in providing top quality drinking water that has the trust of our customers, stakeholders and regulators.
• Developing and delivering the Resources & Production Business Plan.
• Managing team employee relations and leading workforce consultation and change initiatives.
• Designing and delivering a training and development plan for Resources & Production teams in line with functional initiatives and statutory requirements.
• Supporting the preparation of totex budgets for the function, delivery of totex budget targets and controlling adverse variances and identifying efficiency opportunities.
• Achieving area compliance, performance, customer service and regulatory compliance targets.
• Managing events and incidents in accordance with Company procedures.
• Meeting the requirements of Health and Safety legislation and policy and demonstrating a quantifiable improvement in H&S culture.

• Degree in relevant discipline or demonstrable education in comparable technical discipline.
• Recognised Management Training and Development qualification.
• Experience in relevant Water Industry leadership/management role.
• Ability to motivate and direct a diverse team providing essential operational delivery to the business.
• Ability to convey complex information in the correct format/style to meet a range of audiences.
• Ability to understand and interpret technical information from a range of sources.
• Proven ability to move the business forward through innovative thinking and decision action.
• Experience in presenting the business plan and performance delivery to the team and other functions/external stakeholders.
• Role will be part of the Operations Duty Manager Standby Rotation.
• Role will include networking with other water companies and businesses to ensure best practice is delivered.
• Role may include representation on national bodies/groups.
• Able to travel around the work area using company vehicle.
• Full UK Drivers Licence.

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing support and development for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.

In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
• A company car or cash for car allowance.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Competitive Contributory Pension.
• Access to the Company Sharesave Scheme.
• Wellbeing support programmes.
• A range of Group Discounts!

Closing Date: Friday 25th April, 2025

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.