Clean Water Technical Lead

Severn Trent Services; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme (up to 15%)

Leading pension scheme with enhanced员工

Family friendly policies

Sharesave – discounted Severn Trent股份

Academy training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Volunteer days

Job summary

Severn Trent Services in Reading seeks a Clean Water Technical Lead to provide technical leadership for the clean water network and treatment across MOD estates. You will ensure drinking water compliance, drive performance, and act as the SME for potable water assets and processes.

The role is based in Reading with responsibilities spanning SOP development, risk assessments, and liaison with MOD DE&S and DWI. Strong leadership and deep water operations expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong background in potable water operations, treatment or network engineering.
• Experience with regulatory standards (DWI) and water quality controls.
• Ability to lead investigations and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for clean water networks and treatment across MOD estates.
• Ensure compliance with DWI standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop SOPs, risk assessments and emergency response plans.
• Collaborate with operations, subcontractors and stakeholders to resolve water quality or pressure issues.
• Lead investigations into water quality failures and drive corrective actions.
• Support asset investment planning and capital upgrade works.
• Mentor technicians and support training to build capability.
• Monitor performance using SCADA, data logs and sampling results.

Skills

Water operations

Water treatment

Network engineering

Education

Qualifications in water operations / process engineering / environmental science

Job description

Clean Water Technical Lead

Location: Reading

Company: Severn Trent Services

Department: Central Support Services

Salary (£): Competitive

Severn Trent isn’t all water and wastewater in the Midlands. Severn Trent Services (STS) is a thriving non-regulated business providing outstanding services in the Utilities sector across the UK. We have an ambitious growth plan and are exploring a wealth of exciting strategic opportunities to cement our place as one of the sector leaders.

If you want to do more, and come on this journey, we want you on our team.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We are looking for a Clean Water Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and oversight for the clean water network and treatment operations across MOD estates. The Clean Water Technical Lead will ensure compliance with Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) standards, drive operational performance, and act as the subject matter expert for all potable water assets and processes.

This role is based in Reading.

LETS TELL YOU MORE

Key Accountabilities Include

• Lead on the technical assurance of all clean water supply systems, ensuring they meet MOD and regulatory standards (e.g. DWI, MoD JSP 375).
• Provide subject matter expertise in the design, operation, and optimisation of clean water networks and treatment systems.
• Support and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and emergency response protocols.
• Work closely with operations teams, subcontractors, and site stakeholders to identify and resolve complex water quality or pressure issues.
• Lead investigations into water quality failures or near-misses, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Provide input into asset investment planning, rehabilitation programmes, and capital upgrade works.
• Support site audits and inspections, acting as the technical liaison for internal and external stakeholders (including MOD DE&S and DWI).
• Mentor field technicians and support training delivery to build internal technical capability.
• Ensure compliance with DIFS legislations, including hydrant testing.
• Network optimisation including metering, rationalisation and telemetry.
• Monitor system performance using SCADA, flow/pressure data, and water quality sampling data.
• Represent clean water interests in multi-disciplinary project and planning meetings.
• Support emergency response planning and out-of-hours escalation as required.

LETS TELL YOU MORE

In order to succeed in this role, you will have a strong background in potable water operations, treatment, or network engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of DWI regulations, water hygiene requirements, and clean water quality control. You will be experienced in leading technical investigations, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and compliance. Supported by relevant qualifications in water operations, process engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline (HNC/HND, NVQ Level 4+, or equivalent), you will combine excellent problem-solving abilities with strong leadership skills to confidently manage challenges and deliver positive outcomes.

This role requires a full UK driving licence and the flexibility to work a nine day fortnight when required.

How We’ll Reward And Care For You

It's not just a job; it's a career. We offer benefits that reward great work and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. Plus, you'll contribute to the environment and community too. Here are some of our favourites:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 15% of salary dependent on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Family friendly policies (including, a year off fully paid maternity and adoption leave)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two volunteering days per year