Assistant Manager

Southern Water; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Generous pension

Life assurance

Private health benefits

Volunteer days

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee operations in Ashford, Kent. The role involves deputising for the Field Performance Manager, ensuring safe and compliant operation of assets, and delivering continuous performance improvements across ISO standards.

You will lead on audits, hazard management, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with cross-functional teams. A driving licence and UK travel are essential for this permanent post.

Qualifications

• Several years’ experience in a wastewater process operator role or equivalent.
• Able to understand different wastewater treatment processes and assets.
• Knowledge of regulatory and legal environmental policy, waste management licensing, and Health & Safety at Work Act.

Responsibilities

• To monitor performance against ISO14001 and ISO9001 within an operational area for compliance.
• Assess and evaluate risks to health, safety, security, wellbeing and environmental management in the area.
• Complete statutory Health, Safety and Environmental audits (SSI, FRA, EMS) and act on results.
• Lead and own resolution of hazards within the area and maintain Hazard Database.

Skills

Wastewater operator experience

Data interpretation

IT literacy

Job description

## Assistant ManagerApply: ASHFORD: CHATHAM: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: October 23, 2026 (20 days left to apply): JR9036**Closing Date**2026-10-23**Job Title:**Assistant Manager**Location:**Ashford, Kent (a driving licence is essential as travel will be required across the Kent region)**Contract Type:**Permanent**Hours:**37 hours**Salary:** £37-41,000, depending on skills and experienceThere has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. As we move through **AMP8**, we are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long‐term affordability for customers.**About the role**The Assistant Manager will be responsible for the effective running of the team in the absence of the FPM as they will deputise for leave and delegated requirements, meeting performance continuity for an operational area and role succession.You will also be responsible and accountable for the completion of HSSW and EMS, FRA and EMS inspections and their resultant actions on SW Water sites according to SW guidelines, to ensure safe and compliant operation and maintenance of all assets within a specific geographical area.**What you will be responsible for*** To keep an overview of performance against ISO14001 and ISO9001 standards within an operational area to ensure compliance* Assesses and Evaluates Risks to Health, Safety, Security, Wellbeing, and Environmental Management conditions within an operational area* Responsible for the completion of statutory Health, Safety and Environmental audits, (including SSI, FRA, EMS)* Management and ownership to completion of all identified Hazards within an operational area, and administration of Hazard Database**Additional Requirements**Inclusion in the Incident Management structure through addition to either the Pollution and Internal Flooding rota or the team’s Operational Reactive Standby rota – as required and determined by the Field Performance Manager**What you’ll bring to the role*** You will be IT Literate and comfortable working with IT systems and devices* You can analyse and interpret complex and sometimes incomplete data set from various sources and come to effective conclusions* Several years’ experience in a wastewater process operator role or equivalent* You understand different wastewater treatment processes and assets* You must have knowledge of Regulatory and Legal Environmental policy, waste management licensing and the Health & Safety at Work actSouthern 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*\"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.\"*If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- *Introduce Yourself*)**Our Commitment to Diversity**We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.**Additional information**In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‐employment checks, including security vetting.Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.#LI-Hybrid#LI-AC1### Interested in the role?* We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration.* We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.### Our Benefits* Company and performance-related bonus* Generous pension* Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary* Health benefits through a Cash Plan* Two paid community volunteering days a year* 28 days annual holiday* Occupational health service* Retail discount app* We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options