Construction Lead Operative

Severn Trent Water; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Network Construction Lead Operative to oversee significant construction activities across the Midlands. This role is vital to ensuring the delivery of high-quality drinking water while managing a team and coordinating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in Mains Renewal schemes and possess strong communication skills. The company values diversity and offers a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, along with competitive benefits and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme

Enhanced pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Training and development via Academy

Electric vehicle scheme

Family-friendly policies

Two volunteering days per year

Opportunity for additional earnings through incentive scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in Mains Renewal schemes and coordinating construction activities.
• Knowledge of risk identification and compliance with CDM regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale construction activity across multiple sites.
• Ensure safety and quality standards are met in all operations.

Skills

Mains Renewal schemes

CDM Regulations

Risk Assessment

Excellent Communication Skills

Stakeholder Liaison

Education

NCO Qualification

Completion of all NRSWA modules

Tools

360 Excavator

Thrust Boring

Safe Digging

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

At Severn Trent, we're embarking on an exciting £415m project to replace 870 miles of old water pipes across the Midlands. This is the biggest investment in water infrastructure in the region in a decade and aims to improve water quality, reduce leaks, and make water supply more reliable for millions of people. The new pipes installed will last up to 100 years.

We are creating new jobs across the region, based in Birmingham, Nottingham, or anywhere in between. We have opportunities for you to help shape the future of water in the Midlands.

We are looking for a Network Construction Lead Operative to join our team and manage significant, large-scale construction activity across multiple sites.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

As our new Network Construction Lead Operative, you'll be responsible for successfully completing the Main renewal scheme activity on a site, ensuring our customers safely receive a constant supply of good quality drinking water.

You’ll be the senior member of the Construction team on site, coordinating activities, providing support and guidance, and responsible for risk assessing and delivering DMA Main Renewal schemes in accordance with SSOW and SOPS.

You’ll ensure all DMA renewal schemes meet ST high-quality standards while adhering to company ODI targets. The role also involves overseeing and supporting contractors and external stakeholders on site.

This role requires a 42-hour work week, Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 4:30 PM, with a half-hour early finish at 4:00 PM on Fridays.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure CDM compliance on site, responsible for health, safety, and well-being of team members, visitors, contractors, and the public, in accordance with CDM regulations.
• Communicate with the on-site team to ensure tasks are carried out safely and effectively, liaising with utility providers, asset owners, local authorities, and customers.
• Identify and mitigate hazards, documenting findings in daily risk assessments, and ensure full compliance with SOPS.
• Manage impacts on the organization, customers, and external businesses (e.g., traffic management, supply interruptions), delivering construction work within budget.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE

Experience working on Mains Renewal schemes and/or a formal NCO Qualification within a utility industry is preferred. You should have experience coordinating activities and supporting teams, liaising with stakeholders in a construction environment.

You should demonstrate awareness of CDM Regulations, risk identification, and be trained in Utility Avoidance and Location, Thrust Boring, Safe Digging, and operating below 10T with a 360 Excavator. Completion of all NRSWA modules is required.

Knowledge of Mains Renewal processes, options, risks, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential. Excellent communication skills and experience in coordinating activities and supporting teams, preferably in construction, are also important.

A full UK driving license is required as travel is involved.

We value character, positivity, and a caring attitude. We welcome diversity and encourage individuals who want to make a difference and be part of something bigger.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Working here offers career development, competitive benefits, and award-winning training. We support environmental and community initiatives.

Perks include:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Annual bonus scheme (up to £1,500)
• Enhanced pension scheme (up to 15% contribution)
• Sharesave scheme
• Training and development via our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family-friendly policies
• Two volunteering days per year
• Opportunity for additional earnings through the Mains Renewal incentive scheme (£10,000/year)

WHAT’S NEXT

We look forward to hearing from you. Please have an updated CV ready and about five minutes to apply. For more info, search #LifeAtSevernTrent on social media. We’ll notify you of the application outcome after the closing date—keep an eye on your phone and emails.