Senior Engineer - Water

Sodexo; Colchester; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A service management company in Colchester is seeking a Senior Water Engineer to lead water hygiene management at Merville Barracks. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in water hygiene, a thorough understanding of compliance standards, and strong communication skills. This hands-on role also involves mentoring team members and maintaining service quality in a high-profile environment. Salary offered is £41,000 per annum with various benefits.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts for you & family

Cycle to Work scheme

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Water Hygiene operational role.
• Strong understanding of water hygiene standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a military or MOD environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Water Technical Officer in maintaining service standards.
• Carry out water hygiene PPMs and remedial works across site.
• Assist with technical data interpretation and provide engineering solutions.

Skills

Water Hygiene operational experience

Understanding of water hygiene standards

Verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Recognised qualification in Water Hygiene

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Water Engineer to take a leading role within our engineering team at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. This position is pivotal in ensuring the effective delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement of all water hygiene and Legionella management activities across site.

As the Senior Water Engineer, you will act as the technical lead and first point of escalation for the water hygiene team, supporting the Water Technical Officer in the planning, coordination, and execution of maintenance programmes, remedial works, and emergency responses. You will use your expertise to interpret analytical data, identify risks, and implement effective engineering solutions, ensuring full compliance with all statutory and contractual standards.

This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines technical delivery with supervisory responsibility ideal for a skilled engineer looking to take the next step into a senior technical or management position within a complex and high‑profile environment.

What you'll do:

• Support the Water Technical Officer to deliver and maintain service standards in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Carry out water hygiene PPMs, remedial works, and emergency callouts across site assets.
• Ensure compliance with ACOP L8, HSG274 Part 2 & 3, HTM04-01, BS 8558, BS 8680, and related standards.
• Support and, when required, deputise for the Water Technical Officer in the day‑to‑day management and planning of water hygiene tasks.
• Assist with technical data interpretation and provide suitable engineering solutions.
• Conduct and/or support Legionella Risk Assessments (training available if required).
• Complete key operational tasks, including:
  • Weekly flushing of little‑used outlets
  • Temperature monitoring of hot and cold‑water systems
  • Microbiological and chemistry sampling
  • TMV servicing (full/minor)
  • Zip tea boiler maintenance
  • Shower and spray tap descaling
  • Tank inspections, cleaning, and disinfections
  • Filtration servicing
  • Purging of expansion vessels, calorifiers, and water heaters
• Support record‑keeping and compliance documentation, ensuring all data is accurate and up to date.
• Provide technical support and guidance to colleagues and subcontractors.
• Promote a strong health & safety culture, report near misses, and ensure all work is carried out safely.
• Maintain high levels of customer service, professionalism, and site presentation.
• Attend team meetings, performance reviews, and training sessions as required.
• Supervise and mentor team members, ensuring fair management and engagement.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by management.

What you bring:

• Proven experience in a Water Hygiene operational role.
• Strong understanding of water hygiene standards and compliance requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, managing a varied workload.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Desirable:

• Experience working in a military or MOD environment.
• Previous experience in a senior or supervisory engineering role.
• Recognised qualification in Water Hygiene or Legionella control.
• Experience with swimming pool maintenance and closed system analysis/treatment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to develop others.
• Analytical mindset with ability to identify and implement innovative solutions.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Additional Information

• 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday - 08:00 -17:00
• £41,000 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits