Maintenance Production Lead — Water Systems

South East Water UK; Barcombe; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Holiday entitlement

Flexible annual leave policy to buy or

volunteer days

Cycle to work

Health plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water UK is seeking a Production Manager (Maintenance) to lead a team of Electrical and Mechanical technicians within the drinking water sector. The role focuses on delivering both reactive and planned maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable service and minimal downtime across Sussex assets.

You will oversee maintenance strategy, scheduling, safety, and budgeting, and participate in standby duties. A driving license and leadership experience are required for this fluid, essential role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing and leading a team with clear communication and coaching.
• Experience interpreting and managing processes controlled by SCADA and PLCs.
• Knowledge of maintaining, diagnosing and repairing industrial electrical and mechanical plant (pumps, motors, VSDs, valves, switchgear).
• Background in managing electrical and mechanical maintenance activity and an operational budget.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of planned and reactive maintenance across all sites and help refine maintenance strategy.
• Schedule and prioritise maintenance with the Production Work Scheduler and Maintenance Planner.
• Embed a strong health and safety culture and manage ~6 maintenance technicians via one-to-ones and appraisals.
• Analyse site performance, reliability, and water quality for regulatory compliance and optimization.
• Set and manage the operational budget, forecast spend, and identify financial risks/opportunities.
• Participate in out-of-hours standby rota and lead production activities during incidents.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

SCADA/PLC understanding

Budget management

Education

Secondary education with numeracy and literacy

Management qualification or courses

Tools

SCADA systems

PLC maintenance

Electrical & mechanical tooling

Job description

South East Water UK is seeking a Production Manager (Maintenance) to lead a team of Electrical and Mechanical technicians within the drinking water sector. The role focuses on delivering both reactive and planned maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable service and minimal downtime across Sussex assets.

You will oversee maintenance strategy, scheduling, safety, and budgeting, and participate in standby duties. A driving license and leadership experience are required for this fluid, essential role.