Deputy Site Manager

Thames Water; Reading; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water and wastewater company in Reading seeks a Deputy Site Manager to support daily operations at Fobney Water Treatment Works. You will oversee health and safety compliance, manage contractor activities, and drive continuous improvement while developing your team. The ideal candidate has experience in water operations, strong leadership skills, and a willingness to obtain necessary qualifications. Competitive salary and benefits package provided.

Benefits

Salary up to £46,000

26 days holiday per year

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in water/wastewater operations or a comparable industrial environment.
• Strong people leadership and performance management skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Competence in using digital systems and reporting tools.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and oversee health and safety compliance.
• Manage contractor activities and contribute to long-term planning.
• Drive continuous improvement and embed efficiency across the site.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Digital systems competence

Education

IOSH/NEBOSH qualification or willingness to obtain

Experience in water/wastewater operations

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Site Manager at Fobney Water Treatment Works to join Thames Water. This is a critical facility supplying millions of litres of water daily to the Reading area. This role offers real variety and challenge, where you’ll support the Site Manager in ensuring 24/7 operational reliability, asset resilience, and a high‑performing team culture.

What you’ll be doing as a Deputy Site Manager

You’ll lead day‑to‑day operations, oversee health and safety compliance, manage contractor activities, and contribute to long‑term planning and risk reduction.

You’ll play a vital role in developing your team, driving continuous improvement, and embedding efficiency and optimisation across the site.

We’re looking for a strong leader with experience in water or wastewater operations, a solid understanding of health & safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

In return, we’ll support you with ongoing development, including Level 5 Management of Water Production training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a role that’s essential to our community.

Essential criteria you’ll need

• Proven experience in water/wastewater operations or a comparable industrial environment would be beneficial.
• Strong people leadership and performance management skills.
• IOSH/NEBOSH qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Competence in using digital systems and reporting tools.
• Full UK driving licence.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary up to £46,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Generous Paternity Leave, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
• Enhanced Maternity Leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities.

Come and join the Thames Water family. We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.