Trainee First Line Manager - 12 months fixed term contract

Wales & West Utilities; Swindon, London; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A gas distribution company is seeking a First Line Manager on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract to oversee team performance in gas safety and customer service. Ideal candidates will have people management experience and a technical background, with training opportunities available for those looking to grow into the role. Excellent benefits and competitive salary are offered.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Retirement Savings Plan

Flexible benefits scheme

Company car

Discretionary annual bonus

Qualifications

• Experience in a technical network role with an understanding of gas transportation activities.
• Ability to participate in the relevant standby rota as required.
• Full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Direct Labour and Contract teams for efficiency.
• Maintain a strong safety record.
• Respond to Network incidents and provide necessary reports.

Skills

People management

Technical knowledge of gas

Legislation knowledge

Education

NVQ level 3 standard (or equivalent)

Job description

Location

Open to our South West area: Bridgwater, Exeter, Redruth or Plymouth (dependant on successful person)

Salary

£41,259 - £59,558

Contract

12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Closing date

26th August 2025

Working hours

37 hours Monday to Friday

Accessibility

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Who are we?

We are a gas distribution business that services the gas infrastructure across Wales and the south-west of England. We serve our customers and communities with safe, reliable, and affordable energy services whilst investing to create a sustainable future to deliver our carbon-free vision for 2050.

What we’re looking for?

Are you interested in developing as a manager of the future? Do you think you have the right aptitude and appetite? Then here is your opportunity!

We're looking for a First Line Manager on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract to play a big part in the delivery of the future of our gas network, and we want to hear from you!

Reporting to the Performance Manager, First Line Managers are responsible for leading teams to deliver outstanding levels of gas safety, reliability and customer service for the millions we serve every day.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with people management experience, a background in utilities and/or experience in a technical role. There is however an opportunity to join as Trainee First Line Manager and we will invest in you and provide you with the necessary upskilling to progress to a fully operational First Line Manager in line with our structured pay and competency framework which rewards skills, competence and enables development and career progression.

We’ll trust you to:

• Supervise Direct Labour and Contract teams, motivating, coaching and coordinating all activities to ensure optimum efficiency is achieved.
• Maintain our excellent safety record
• Assist with the control of a variety of projects in order that time scales and budgeted costs are met.
• Respond effectively to Network incidents and provide reports as required.
• Undertake technical audits and reviews as required to ensure a compliant workforce.
• Role model outstanding behaviours
• Participate in the process of agreeing performance objectives, reviewing performance, identifying development and improvement plans and monitoring staff progress against targets to the timescales set by the business.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and individuals

You can read a full job description here.

You’ll need to have:

• Knowledge of appropriate legislation, policy, procedures and an understanding of Wales & West Utilities operations.
• Working knowledge of appropriate codes of practice, engineering instructions, safety and statutory regulations. Competent to support Wales & West Utilities policies and procedures.
• Experience in a technical network role supported by an understanding of gas transportation activities. Able to operate as a team leader.
• The ability to participate in the relevant standby rota as required
• A full driving license
• Experience in a technical role supported by an understanding of gas transportation activities.
• NVQ level 3 standard (or equivalent) andexperience in a technical network role supported by an understanding of gas transportation activities is desirable

We would also love to hear about anything else you feel you could add or bring to the role!

As we are a safety critical organisation, all offers of employment are subject to pre-employment drug & alcohol screening.

What’s in it for you?

• A competitive salary starting at £41,259 depending on experience and rising to £59,558. Your starting salary will be agreed dependent on any previous skills and experience.
• A structured pay & competency framework which rewards skills, competence and enables development and career progression
• Additional earnings through the standby rota plus overtime and additional work available
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan (pension) with Aviva: 5% employee contribution, with WWU doubling your contribution at 10% - totalling 15%
• 14 x salary Life Insurance linked to membership of the Retirement Savings Plan
• “Choices” flexible benefit scheme options including corporate gym memberships, dental insurance, and health cash-plans
• Access to our Financial Wellbeing Programme - allowing you to manage your benefits flexibly to suit your financial needs
• Enhanced pay for parental leave
• Retail discounts and cashback scheme
• Annual salary review
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Company Sick Pay
• In-house Occupational Health Team
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Comprehensive training
• Company Car

The way we do things

Our Ambition, Priorities and Values inform everything we do as a business – from our strategic planning to the performance management of our colleagues. Our values underpin everything we do and we are committed to creating a working environment that supports and fosters diversity, inclusion and equity, where all of our colleagues feel valued and supported to contribute to their full potential.

We are focused on creating a culture where it doesn’t matter about gender, race, sexuality or disability; it’s about our colleagues’ skills, the way we do things and how we live our values.

You can find out morehere.

Interested?

If you think you’d make a good addition to the team, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, click the link below.

If you would prefer to complete your application form in an alternative format such as Microsoft Word or would like to discuss the role in a little more detail, please contact us [e-mail] on 07971 038 982.

You can also ask us about flexible working practices that may be available or tell us if you have any special requirements during the application process.