Central Process Control Technician South West Water · Business, Corporate and Support Functions · Exeter (Peninsula House)

AquaCare, Company; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

From 23 days annual leave increasing

Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme

Competitive Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Group Income Protection

Competitive Family Leave policies

Health Cash Plan

Free Flu Vaccination

Employee Assistance Programme

Free On-Site Parking at Exeter HQ

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car Share Scheme

On-Site Canteen at Exeter HQ

Give As You Earn Scheme

Volunteering Day

Retail Discounts

Job summary

South West Water Limited in Exeter seeks a technically minded Process Control Technician to monitor, control and optimise the drinking water treatment and distribution network. You will be part of the Central Process Control Team, making real-time decisions and responding to alarms to keep customers supplied with high-quality water.

This 24/7 operational role involves shift rotations, attention to safety, and working with SCADA systems to improve plant performance, energy efficiency and carbon

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science subject.
• Strong communication skills with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse data and use IT systems confidently.
• Sound judgement and decision-making under pressure.
• Prioritise workloads and manage multiple activities.
• Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.
• Calm, resilient and proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control water treatment works and distribution networks.
• Proactively manage alarms and events using SCADA, iSCADA, MISER and other monitoring systems.
• Coordinate operations to optimise water production, energy use and chemical consumption.
• Provide technical support during incidents and major events.
• Produce operational reports and handover documentation.
• Work with field teams to resolve network alarms and issues.
• Support regulatory compliance and safety requirements.
• Assist with network optimization and water resource management.
• Drive continuous improvement within Process Control and cross-project initiatives.

Skills

GCSEs including Maths English Science

Communication skills

Data analysis

Decision making under pressure

Workload prioritisation

Flexible hours

Calm problem solving

Education

HND or equivalent technical qualification

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

About the Role

Are you a technically minded problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment?

As a Process Control Technician, you'll play a critical role in the remote monitoring, control, and optimisation of South West Water's drinking water treatment and distribution network. Working within our Central Process Control Team, you'll help ensure customers receive a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water while supporting efficient operations through the use of advanced monitoring and control systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our operational network, making real-time decisions, responding to alarms and incidents, and collaborating with operational teams across the business to maintain and improve service performance.

Shift Pattern

This is a 24/7 operational role working the following rotating shift pattern:

• 2 × Morning Shifts: 06:30 - 15:00

• 2 × Afternoon Shifts: 14:30 - 23:00

• 2 × Night Shifts: 22:30 - 07:00

• Followed by 4 days off

Flexibility is essential as additional cover may occasionally be required to support operational demands and business continuity.

What You'll Be Doing

• Monitor and control water treatment works and strategic distribution networks to maintain customer water supplies.

• Proactively manage alarms and operational events using SCADA, iSCADA, MISER and other monitoring systems.

• Coordinate network and treatment operations to optimise water production, energy usage, chemical consumption and carbon efficiency.

• Provide technical support during operational incidents and major events.

• Produce operational reports and handover documentation for key stakeholders.

• Work closely with field teams to investigate and resolve process and network alarms.

• Support compliance with regulatory, operational and safety requirements.

• Assist with network optimisation and strategic water resource management activities.

• Drive continuous improvement within the Process Control function and contribute to change projects across the business.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English and a Science subject.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.

• Ability to analyse data and use IT systems confidently.

• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.

• Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple activities simultaneously.

• Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.

• Calm, resilient and proactive approach to problem solving.

Desirable

• HND or equivalent technical qualification in water treatment, network operations, engineering or a related discipline.

• Experience in water treatment, network operations, utility operations or another technically challenging operational environment.

• Understanding of water supply networks and water treatment processes.

South West Water Benefits

At South West Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued. That's why we offer a diverse benefits package designed to support you both at work and beyond.

Our benefits include:

• From 23 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays), increasing with service.

• Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme.

• Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching.

• Life Assurance.

• Group Income Protection.

• Competitive Family Leave policies.

• Health Cash Plan.

• Free Flu Vaccination.

• Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support.

• Free On-Site Parking at our Exeter headquarters.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Car Share Scheme.

• On-Site Canteen at our Exeter headquarters.

• Give As You Earn Scheme.

• Volunteering Day.

• Retail Discounts giving access to thousands of offers and savings.

Closing Date: 16th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

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 everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.