Leakage Operations Lead — Data-Driven Field Leadership

South East Water; Detling; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Job summary

South East Water is seeking an experienced Leakage Manager to lead a field team of leakage detection and PRV technicians across the network. You will own planning, scheduling, and performance management to drive operational excellence and reduce water loss.

The role blends strategic analytics with hands-on leadership, delivering high-visibility insights to the business and equipping frontline teams with clear operational support and resources.

Qualifications

• Secondary education completed with literacy and numeracy.
• Management qualification or courses completed.
• Blue Water Hygiene Card (can be provided by SEW).

Responsibilities

• Lead leakage detection team including internal and contract staff; plan and schedule work and manage performance.
• Provide day-to-day operational support to the Regional Leakage Manager and field staff; monitor leaks and allocate areas to teams.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety practices; conduct audits and implement process improvements.
• Liaise with contractors and SEW staff on leakage activities and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Data analysis

GIS

Leakage management software

Tools

GIS

Pressure monitoring

Leakage management systems

Job description

South East Water is seeking an experienced Leakage Manager to lead a field team of leakage detection and PRV technicians across the network. You will own planning, scheduling, and performance management to drive operational excellence and reduce water loss.

The role blends strategic analytics with hands-on leadership, delivering high-visibility insights to the business and equipping frontline teams with clear operational support and resources.