Network Area Technical Manager

South West Water; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company in Bristol is seeking a Network Technical Area Manager to oversee technical activities, ensuring safety and performance across the network. The role involves managing skilled employees, addressing technical issues, and collaborating cross-functionally. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in operational management for a dynamic, community-focused team. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Benefits

Annual bonus

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company car

Pension scheme

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-faceted operational environment.
• Proven track record in managing Network Maintenance Contractors.
• Ability to handle technical queries effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical network activities and resolve technical issues.
• Ensure health and safety compliance for staff and contractors.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for system improvements.

Skills

Experience managing technical and skilled employees

Ability to optimise and implement performance improvements

Pro-active knowledge sharing

Job description

At Bristol Water we’ve been making people healthier and the economy stronger since 1846. We’ve served generations of families and will serve generations to come.

We’re here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We don’t just give people water - we keep them healthy and help them grow. We work around the clock, testing our water hundreds of times every day.

We take this same view with our 600 employees, we don’t just give them jobs in water, we keep them healthy and help them grow.

We’re one of the smallest water companies in the UK. Being small means we’re nimble and can achieve things quickly for our customers and our people.

But while we’re small, we’re also part of a larger family. In June 2021 we became part of the Pennon group, which also owns South West Water and Bournemouth Water.

This means that as part of our team, you’ll get the best of both worlds – the dynamism and fast pace of a smaller company, along with the security and breadth of opportunity that comes with being part of a large organisation.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Manager Leakage and Technical, you will be responsible for all technical network activities within your geographical area, acting as the first point of escalation for all technical issues encountered and working with those on the ground to resolve complex issues.

This is a technical and team performance role for a group of mobile and office-based team members in various disciplines, ensuring the delivery of the company’s targets

What You'll Be Doing:

• The Network Technical Area Manager is responsible for:
• The Health & Safety of all staff and/or contractors under their control
• The management of the technical interface between Network and all internal/external stakeholders, including the authorisation of payments, service level compliance, quality standards and relevant procurement tenders
• The personal performance of all staff under their control setting objectives within their team to ensure their safe and effective performance and to deliver planned levels of service to the customer and business ODI’s
• The identification and reduction of risk to the Network system and customers as a whole
• Working in collaboration with all other elements of the Business to seek the continuing improvement, an increase in efficiency and the reduction of costs in line with Company requirements
• Being part of a multi-disciplinary standby team, participating in a 7day/24hr operational environment
• Providing Technical Guidance and support on issues relating to district metering, data operability and pressure management
• Liaise closely with the Technical Planner responsible for all (un)planned activities within the Leakage, Technical and Metering areas to ensure deliverability of company targets.
• Assessment of 3rd party method statements
• Supporting and resolving technical queries from colleagues
• The assessing and issuing of Permits to Work, CACs and RAMS

What We're Looking For:

• You will have experience of managing technical and skilled employees at differing levels including the performance management of Network Maintenance Contractors working to agreed Levels of Service.
• You will will have extensive experience of working in a multi-faceted operational environment, with a proven ability to develop, optimise, and ultimately implement culture and performance improvements in operational staff.
• The ability to pro-actively seek opportunities to upskill their colleagues and share knowledge is essential.

What's In It For You?

• As well as a great opportunity to develop, make your mark, in a local company, the role also offers:
• Annual bonus
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Company car
• Entry into the company pension schemeFlexible, supportive friendly working environment
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts
• Onsite parking, when you’re in the office

£45,000 - £53,510 a year

Closing Date: 19th November 2025

We may close this advert early depending upon the volume and standard of applicants.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid- Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You- We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future- Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.