Leakage Operations Leader – Water Network Optimization

South East Water UK; Barcombe; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Flexible annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Leakage Manager to lead strategic planning and scheduling of leakage detection across the network. You will bridge field teams and business strategy, turning network data into actionable actions to boost efficiency and reduce water loss.

In this leadership role you will manage internal and contractor staff, oversee budgets, train and develop the leakage team, and provide daily operational support to frontline crews while ensuring H&S compliance and reporting.

Qualifications

• Good standard of secondary education with strong numeracy and literacy.
• Management qualification or demonstrated management training.
• National Water Hygiene (Blue) Card.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret operational data and craft plans.
• Understanding of Leakage Components.
• Experience with GIS, pressure monitoring platforms and leakage systems; MS Office.
• Proven ability to motivate and lead field staff and develop work plans.
• Experience in utilities/infrastructure, preferably water.
• Experience leading a team with budget planning and PPE control.

Responsibilities

• Team Management: plan and schedule leakage work, manage performance and team admin.
• Operational Support: provide day-to-day support to regional leakage teams and field staff.
• Compliance and Process Improvement: ensure H&S adherence and audit leakage processes.
• Stakeholder Liaison: coordinate with contractors, distribution and SEW staff on activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Team leadership

Budget management

MS Office proficiency

Problem solving

Education

Management qualification

National Water Hygiene Card (Blue)

Tools

GIS

Pressure monitoring platforms

Leakage management systems

Job description

South East Water is seeking a Leakage Manager to lead strategic planning and scheduling of leakage detection across the network. You will bridge field teams and business strategy, turning network data into actionable actions to boost efficiency and reduce water loss.

In this leadership role you will manage internal and contractor staff, oversee budgets, train and develop the leakage team, and provide daily operational support to frontline crews while ensuring H&S compliance and reporting.