Smart Metering Operations Manager - 14M Fixed Term Contract

The Smart Metering project is a new but extremely important initiative for Affinity Water. This is a key role within the new Smart Metering team, responsible for ensuring we can maximise the benefits for our customers, our environment, and our business from the installation of smart meters. In this role you will report to the Smart Metering Programme Delivery Manager, under the Asset Strategy & Capital Delivery Directorate.

We are currently seeking an Operations Manager to join us on a 14 month Fixed Term contract from March 2025.

As the Operations Manager, you will ensure that operational safety protocols are rigorously followed, and play a crucial role in ensuring the Smart meter programme maintains high levels of customer satisfaction.

You will oversee an efficient smart meter operation, including supplier management, focusing on optimising the installation process, ensuring accurate data collection, and facilitating precise billing.

The role

The Operations Manager is responsible for the operational management of the programme including Universal Metering Programme, Optants, Replacements, Non-Household, alongside the interfaces with the Smart Metering team and wider business to deliver Affinity Water’s objectives.

You will be at the forefront of driving the successful deployment and management of the Smart metering programme from an operational perspective. Your role is crucial in ensuring a smooth and compliant operation ensuring the success and efficiency of our Smart Metering Programme, contributing to the overall success of Affinity Water's initiatives in this area.

• Lead and manage the Smart metering programme at an operational level, fostering a culture of collective high performance across a large multi-discipline operation.
• Collaborate with other departments and external partners, including suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain high levels of safety and wellbeing, promptly addressing any issues or concerns.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, promptly addressing any issues or concerns.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, staying informed and keeping relevant stakeholders informed about relevant legislation.
• Manage budgets and resources prudently, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising safety and quality.
• Monitor and evaluate performance data, pinpointing areas for enhancement and implementing necessary improvements.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, utilising new technologies and best practices to elevate service delivery.
• Prepare and chair regular performance meetings holding the Smart meter programme and suppliers to account in accordance with the contract(s).
• Prepare and deliver regular reports on operational performance, challenges, and achievements to senior management and suppliers.

Experience Required

• Operations Management: Extensive experience managing successful multimillion-pound civils operations.
• Performance Management: Proven track record in managing KPI to positive outcomes in large-scale civils operations.
• Budget Responsibility: Demonstrated ability to handle and meet budget responsibilities for multimillion-pound projects.
• Supply Chain Management: Expertise in managing supply chains successfully within large civils operations.
• People Management: Skilled in managing and leading operational teams effectively.
• Project Management: Qualified and experienced in project management, and have managed successful projects particularly in civils operations.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the water industry and water regulations and performance commitments.
• Health and Safety: Leads a safety-first culture, holds an IOSH qualification, ensuring high standards of health and safety are demonstrated and upheld.
• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of civils construction, including dig teams and reinstatement processes.
• Software Proficiency: High proficiency in using Microsoft Office for various professional tasks.

Benefits Include:

• Salary up to £52,000 dependant on experience.
• Company car entitlement £4,300 per year.
• Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and a range of formal courses and open learning resources.
• Entry into the company annual bonus scheme.
• Annual leave from 26 days rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
• A ‘Celebration Day’ in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them.
• A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%).
• We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave.
• Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best.
• Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health.
• Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets and on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme.
• Disability confident (if you need to apply through a different format, please contact the Talent Acquisition Partner for this role).

Above all, our company culture is unique, personable, friendly and diverse and we welcome applications from all! You will have the opportunity to create, shape and drive something new for Affinity Water with a great deal of responsibility with endless opportunity for impact and freedom for initiatives.

Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.