Clean Water Technical Lead

Severn Trent; Reading; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays (buy/s

Annual bonus up to 15%

Pension scheme

Maternity/adoption leave

Sharesave

Academy training

EV scheme

Volunteering days

Job summary

Severn Trent Services is seeking a Clean Water Technical Lead to provide technical leadership for the clean water network and treatment operations across MOD estates. The role ensures adherence to DWI standards and regulatory requirements, driving performance and acting as SME for potable water assets and processes.

Based in Reading, the role requires strong project leadership, audits, and continuous improvement to deliver compliant, reliable water services.

Qualifications

• Strong background in potable water operations, treatment, or network engineering.
• Knowledge of DWI regulations and water hygiene requirements.
• Experience leading technical investigations and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the technical assurance of clean water supply systems to meet regulatory standards.
• Provide SME in design, operation and optimisation of clean water networks and treatment systems.
• Develop SOPs, risk assessments and emergency response protocols.
• Collaborate with operations teams, subcontractors and site stakeholders to resolve water quality issues.
• Lead investigations into water quality failures and drive corrective actions.
• Support asset investment planning and capital upgrades.
• Mentor field technicians and support training delivery.

Skills

Water operations

Leadership

SCADA analysis

Regulatory compliance

Education

HNC/HND or NVQ Level 4+

Tools

SCADA systems

Water network design software

Job description

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