Construction Lead Operative

Severn Trent Water; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Severn Trent Water is seeking a Network Construction Lead Operative to manage construction activities across multiple locations in the Midlands. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety standards and coordinating with contractors while providing quality drinking water. The company offers competitive pay, a generous benefits package, and career growth opportunities in a pivotal infrastructure project.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme (up to £1,500)

Leading pension scheme with employer contributions doubled

Sharesave scheme at a discounted rate

Training and development through the ‘Academy’

Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers

Family-friendly policies

Two volunteering days per year

Opportunity for additional earnings through a Mains Renewal incentive scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working on mains renewal schemes.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and safety procedures.
• Full UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale construction activities across multiple sites.
• Coordinate activities and support contractors on-site.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and well-being on site.

Skills

CDM compliance

Communication

Risk identification

Utility Avoidance

Decision-making in high-pressure environments

Education

Formal NCO qualification

Completion of all NRSWA modules

Job description

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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, set 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, with roles based in Birmingham, Nottingham, or anywhere in between. Join us to help shape the future of water in the Midlands.

We are looking for a Network Construction Lead Operative to join our team, responsible for managing large-scale construction activities across multiple sites.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

As our new Network Construction Lead Operative, you’ll be responsible for successfully completing Main renewal scheme activities on specific sites, ensuring our customers 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 managing risk assessments. You’ll deliver DMA Main Renewal schemes in accordance with SSOW and SOPS, and ensure all work meets Severn Trent’s high standards while adhering to ODI targets. You will oversee and support contractors and external stakeholders on site.

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

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure CDM compliance, responsible for health, safety, and well-being on site.
• Communicate effectively with the on-site team and liaise with external stakeholders such as utility providers, asset owners, local authorities, and customers.
• Identify and mitigate hazards, documenting findings in daily risk assessments, and ensure compliance with SOPS.
• Manage impacts on the wider organization, customers, and external businesses, including traffic management and supply interruptions, while delivering work within budget.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE

Ideally, you will have experience working on mains renewal schemes or hold a formal NCO qualification, with experience in utility-based industries. You should be familiar with CDM regulations, risk identification, and safety procedures such as Utility Avoidance, Location, Thrust Boring, Safe Digging, and operating below 10T excavators. Completion of all NRSWA modules is required. Knowledge of mains renewal processes, decision-making in high-pressure environments, and excellent communication skills are essential. Experience in coordinating teams in construction environments is preferred.

As travel is required, a full UK driving license is necessary.

We value the right character, positivity, and a caring attitude as much as technical skills.

We welcome diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Join us and be part of something bigger, making a difference because you care.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Working at Severn Trent offers a career, not just a job. We reward great work with a range of benefits and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. We also support environmental and community initiatives.

Some of our perks include:

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

WHAT’S NEXT

We look forward to hearing from you. Please have an updated CV ready and set aside five minutes to apply.

If you want to learn more, search #LifeAtSevernTrent on social media. We’ll inform you of the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and email.