Principal Process Specialist IED

idibu; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Principal Process Specialist, driving compliance with environmental standards across Thames Water's operations. You will utilize your expertise in sludge treatment and environmental processes, providing technical solutions and leading teams to enhance operational performance. With a competitive salary and robust benefits, this position presents an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in environmental compliance.

Benefits

Car allowance

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Health and wellbeing benefits

Generous paternity and maternity leave

Ongoing development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience with wastewater sludge processes including anaerobic digestion.
• Proven track record in fault finding and process improvements.
• Strong data handling, processing, and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for IED permits and sludge treatment.
• Utilise tools and data to ensure permit compliance.
• Lead reporting and meetings, mentor teams on technical issues.

Skills

Problem Solving

Data Handling

Fault Finding

Communication

Education

BSc in a science or engineering discipline

Job description

Do you want to help shape and lead Thames Water’s environmental compliance with our new Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) obligations?

We are seeking a Principal Process Specialist to guide our Operations teams in meeting their new obligations, acting as a subject matter expert in sludge treatment processes, anaerobic digestion, and odour management.

If you are passionate about making a difference as environmental custodians and helping teams operate in line with statutory regulations, this role could be for you.

You will provide innovative, leading technical solutions. It is a hands-on role across various sites, involving data analysis, fault finding, pollution mitigation, and process optimisation to drive compliance.

This role will cover the Thames Valley Area, including Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

What will you be doing as a Principal Process Specialist IED?

Technical Expertise

• Be a subject matter expert for IED permits and sludge treatment processes, fault finding, and process optimisation.
• Utilise all available tools and data to investigate issues, recommend practical solutions, and ensure permit compliance.
• Contribute to technical design queries using expert site and regulatory knowledge.
• Liaise with regulators, stakeholders, and customers.
• Organise and supervise third-party contractors for servicing, surveying, and remedial works related to IED requirements.

Communication & Leadership

• Lead regular business reporting and meetings; be confident and effective in presenting and communicating to diverse audiences.
• Build rapport with internal teams and external stakeholders; mentor and coach to improve technical understanding.
• Produce root cause analyses of permit breaches, sharing lessons learned to prevent repeats.
• Participate in an out-of-hours call-out rota.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts with various teams to develop innovative and effective solutions.

Training

• Undertake technical training and hold key process safety roles.
• Proactively learn about new wastewater technologies and disseminate knowledge to teams.
• Lead development of learning materials, asset standards, and project scopes related to IED and sludge treatment processes.

What should you bring to the role?

• A minimum of a BSc in a science or engineering discipline is highly advantageous.
• Significant experience with wastewater sludge processes, including anaerobic digestion, biogas management, odour management, and relevant regulations.
• Proven track record in fault finding, process improvements, and implementing change.
• Ability to hold in-depth technical conversations and communicate complex information effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Full UK driving licence, access to transport, and business-use insurance (car allowance provided).
• Strong data handling, processing, and reporting skills; adaptable to IT systems.
• Experience working with contractors, reviewing risk assessments, supervising site work, and organizing surveys/services.
• Proven coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Curious, self-driven, and motivated to solve technical problems.
• Excellent time management and self-organisation skills.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary up to £62,000 per annum, plus a car allowance.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Benefits supporting health, wellbeing, and finances, including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work, vouchers, and life assurance.
• Generous paternity and maternity leave provisions.
• Ongoing performance reviews and development opportunities.

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. We aim to build a better future for all by helping communities, people, and the planet thrive. Join us to make a difference and help us reach our goals.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water offers a rewarding, diverse workplace where every day provides opportunities to make a difference. We support career growth, flexible working, and excellent benefits. Whether in call centres or science labs, we seek passionate individuals eager to improve.

If you want a sustainable, impactful career helping millions and protecting water resources, we’re here to support you. Join us to build a better future.

We promote diversity and inclusion, removing barriers to success. We welcome applications from all, offering support throughout recruitment. Support for crisis response is also available, including training and extra earnings.

Note: Due to high application volumes, the closing date may be earlier than advertised. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.