Assistant Manager

Southern Water; Brighton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is recruiting an Assistant Manager in the Wastewater function to support Asset Maintenance and Standards, updating internal systems, tracking works, training records, hazards and store audits, and inputting pollution reports to maintain high maintenance standards.

You will plan complex works with the scheduling team, manage repairs and inspections, deputise for the Field Performance Managers, and lead safety audits.

Qualifications

• Background in electrical and mechanical trades within a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of environmental policy, waste licensing and H&S at work.
• Strong IT skills, especially Excel.
• Good communication with stakeholders and leadership potential.
• Willingness to travel across the area and possess a full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Plan complex works with planning and scheduling team; resolve long-standing and reactive issues.
• Plan repairs, inspections and maintenance on treatment works and networks.
• Deputise for Field Performance Managers and ensure continuity in leadership.
• Complete statutory Health, Safety and Environmental audits (SSI, EMS).

Skills

Electrical trades

Mechanical trades

Regulatory policy

Waste management licensing

Health & Safety

Excel

Communication skills

Team management

Job description

Closing Date 2026-10-16

Job Title: Assistant Manager

Location: Falmer, East Sussex, travel required across the area so a full driving licence is essential

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday

Salary: up to £41,000, depending on skills and experience

There 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

We are currently recruiting an Assistant Manager within our Wastewater function to support our Asset Maintenance and Standards operations.

This role will include responsibility for updating Southern Water’s internal systems and tracking of works, training records, hazards and store audits, attending compliance meetings with other departments and inputting pollution reports to ensure our asset maintenance standards are maintained effectively.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• You will liaise with our technical planning and scheduling team; using your expertise to plan in complex works safely and resolve long-standing and reactive issues
• You will plan activities to deliver repairs, inspections and maintenance on treatment works and the networks
• There will be requirement to manage the team in the absence of the Field Performance Managers; you will deputise for leave and delegated requirements, meeting performance continuity for an operational area and role succession
• You will be responsible for the completion of statutory Health, Safety and Environmental audits, (including SSI, EMS)

Hours of work will be Mon-Wed 7.30-4pm and Thurs-Fri 7.30-3 along with the need to be on a call out rota twice a month

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• You will have a background in electrical and mechanical trades within a regulated environment and understand the Regulatory and Legal Environmental policy, waste management licensing and the Health & Safety at Work Act
• You will be a curious individual with passion to develop into team management
• You will be an excellent communicator, able to liaise with various stakeholders
• You will have strong IT skills, particularly Excel
• It is highly desirable for you to have a background working within Wastewater treatment however we welcome applicants who have a strong operational background, with a clear track record of delivering health, safety, and environmental targets

Southern 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 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.