Operations Manager - (QCD)

SES Water; West of England; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Company bonus scheme

Pension scheme with employer matching

Life assurance

Cycle to Work

Free onsite parking

Retail discounts

Volunteer day

Job summary

Bristol Water is seeking a Quality, Cost & Delivery (QCD) Delivery Manager to lead the QCD Delivery team within our Water Services operations in Bristol. The role focuses on driving efficiency, quality and cost performance across our network, suppliers and contractors, reporting to the Senior Manager QCD.

You will lead a growing team, embed a culture of continuous improvement and work with senior stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable water services to customers.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-paced, reactive operational environment.
• Experience in a customer-focused setting.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of pipework construction activities.
• Understanding of network hydraulics and pressure differentials.
• Experience in disinfection processes and water quality compliance.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience delivering business change and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, project management and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a high-performing Quality, Cost & Delivery team.
• Driving operational efficiency initiatives across Bristol Water and our supply chain partners.
• Managing and supporting Network Quality Assurance Technicians and the Network Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Providing leadership that motivates, develops and inspires people to perform at their best.
• Delivering robust project governance, reporting, risk management and benefits tracking.
• Working closely with senior stakeholders, commercial teams and contractors to maximise operational performance.
• Supporting procurement and commercial processes to ensure successful programme delivery.
• Driving cultural change and continuous improvement across Network Operations.
• Ensuring Network ODI and PCD performance measures, including Supply Interruptions, Leakage, C-MeX and Water Quality, remain a key operational focus.
• Deputising for the Senior Manager QCD when required.
• Participating in the Network Duty Manager standby rota.

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

At Bristol Water, we’ve been serving generations of families since 1846. Ensuring people in our communities have access to healthy water is paramount, which is why we work around the clock testing our water hundreds of times a day.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Job Role

We're looking for an experienced and driven Quality, Cost & Delivery (QCD) Delivery Manager to join our Water Services team in Bristol.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering outstanding results. You'll play a critical role in driving efficiency, quality, and performance across our network operations, working closely with internal teams, delivery partners, contractors, and senior leaders to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our customers.

If you're an influential leader with strong operational, commercial, and change management experience, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As QCD Delivery Manager, you will be responsible for developing and embedding a culture of efficiency across operational delivery. Reporting to the Senior Manager QCD, you'll lead a growing team and work collaboratively across the business to improve quality, productivity, and cost performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing Quality, Cost & Delivery team.
• Driving operational efficiency initiatives across Bristol Water and our supply chain partners.
• Managing and supporting Network Quality Assurance Technicians and the Network Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Providing leadership that motivates, develops and inspires people to perform at their best.
• Delivering robust project governance, reporting, risk management and benefits tracking.
• Working closely with senior stakeholders, commercial teams and contractors to maximise operational performance.
• Supporting procurement and commercial processes to ensure successful programme delivery.
• Driving cultural change and continuous improvement across Network Operations.
• Ensuring Network ODI and PCD performance measures, including Supply Interruptions, Leakage, C-MeX and Water Quality, remain a key operational focus.
• Deputising for the Senior Manager QCD when required.
• Participating in the Network Duty Manager standby rota.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience working in a fast-paced, reactive operational environment.
• Experience within a customer-focused setting.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of pipework construction activities.
• Understanding of network hydraulics and pressure differentials.
• Experience in disinfection processes and water quality compliance.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience delivering business change and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, project management and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

• HNC (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Water Management, or a related discipline.
• Disinfection City & Guilds qualification.
• EUSR Water Hygiene Card.
• IOSH Certificate.
• NRSWA Supervisor accreditation.

Desirable

• 5+ years' operational and customer-focused experience within the water industry or a similar regulated environment.

Why Join Bristol Water?

At Bristol Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued.

That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, financial future and work-life balance.

Our Benefits Include:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with length of service.
• Holiday buy and sell scheme.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Competitive pension scheme with company contribution matching.
• Life assurance.
• Group income protection.
• Enhanced family leave, including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Share schemes, including discounted share purchase and share matching opportunities.
• Free annual flu vaccination.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 wellbeing, financial and mental health support.
• Free onsite parking at our Bristol headquarters.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Car share scheme.
• Subsidised onsite canteen.
• Give As You Earn charity scheme.
• Paid volunteering day.
• Retail discounts offering savings across thousands of brands and services.

Closing Date: 4th Sept 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

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.