DSEAR Engineering Project Manager

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in the UK is seeking a DSEAR Engineering Project Manager to lead the delivery of the DSEAR Compliance Programme across various sites. This role involves managing risk assessments, overseeing corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with Dangerous Substances regulations. Candidates should have strong leadership skills, in-depth regulatory knowledge, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days holiday per year

Car Allowance

Performance-related pay

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Access to various health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in DSEAR compliance or process safety in utility, energy, or industrial sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of DSEAR regulations and associated Codes of Practice.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying DSEAR and ATEX standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the DSEAR Compliance Programme.
• Develop a risk-based assessment programme for 335 Sewer Treatment Works.
• Oversee the implementation of corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership in DSEAR compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of DSEAR regulations

Risk assessment

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Safety, or related field

Job description

As the DSEAR Engineering Project Manager, you will lead the delivery of Thames Water’s DSEAR Compliance Programme, ensuring compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) across all sites. This includes overseeing the implementation of corrective actions from Phase 1 (high-risk biogas sites) and managing the large-scale risk assessment and corrective actions of Phase 2 (335 Sewage Treatment Works and 2,800 Sewage Pump Stations). The role will focus on efficient execution, prioritisation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure compliance is achieved in a structured and scalable manner.

Base location: Hybrid – Beckton (STW) – IG11 0AD, Hybrid – Clearwater Court – RG1 8DB, Hybrid – Maple Lodge (STW) – WD3 9SQ.

Working pattern or hours: 36, Monday‑Friday.

Necessary requirement: Valid UK driving licence, as you will travel across the Thames Water catchment where hazardous areas are present.

What you’ll be doing as a DSEAR Engineering Project Manager

• Lead the delivery of the DSEAR Compliance Programme.
• Develop a risk-based assessment programme for 335 Sewer Treatment Works and 2,800 Sewing Pumping Stations, ensuring efficient prioritisation of compliance work.
• Methodology ensures risk-proportionate assessment, balancing efficiency and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee in-house and outsourced delivery teams to maximise programme efficiency. Define roles, outputs, and performance metrics.
• Develop and implement scalable risk assessment methodologies for DSEAR compliance.
• Ensure Hazardous Area Plans (HAPs) and Explosion Protection Documents (EPDs) are reviewed, updated, and handed over with full traceability.
• Engage with site teams and technical information for ownership and integration to business information systems.
• Oversee implementation of Corrective Actions.
• Support the integration of DSEAR compliance within operational, maintenance, and capital delivery processes.

What you should bring to the role

• Proven leadership in DSEAR compliance or process safety in utility, energy, or industrial sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of DSEAR regulations, ATEX directives and associated Codes of Practice.
• Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) knowledge and practical experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying DSEAR and ATEX standards across asset types.
• Experience managing and prioritising large-scale compliance or engineering programmes.
• Familiarity with British Standards, IGEM, EI 15, IEC frameworks relevant to hazardous areas.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Safety, or a related technical field.
• Professional membership of IChemE / IOSH (engagement in continual professional development).

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have

• Proven experience in creating and implementing Asset Standards.
• Proficiency in project management, with the ability to lead and execute DSEAR-related projects effectively.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £61,000–£71,000 per annum depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• 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. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

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.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

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.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

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.