Waste Water & Trade Technical Lead

Severn Trent; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays (buy/s

Annual bonus scheme up to 15% ofsalary

Leading pension scheme—double your 7.5

Family friendly policies (including a

Sharesave – buy Severn Trent shares

Dedicated training and development ("A

Electric vehicle scheme

Two volunteering days per year

Job summary

Severn Trent is seeking a Wastewater Technical Lead based in Reading to provide technical leadership across wastewater treatment, trade waste, surface water drainage, and regulatory compliance. You will oversee operation and performance of wastewater assets, support upgrades and new infrastructure, and mentor field staff while liaising with MOD stakeholders and regulators.

You will bring extensive wastewater process knowledge, risk assessment capabilities, and strong communication to drive safe,

Qualifications

• Candidates must have extensive experience in wastewater treatment and network operations.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities for high-risk operational scenarios.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical authority for wastewater systems across sites and networks.
• Ensure environmental compliance and maintenance activities meet permits and regulations.
• Lead the development of RAMS and standard operating procedures.
• Support mobilisation, commissioning and asset handover of new/upgraded wastewater infrastructure.
• Collaborate with operational teams to troubleshoot issues and improve efficiency.
• Mentor field staff and junior technicians to build internal capability.
• Ensure MCAERT/EA regulatory standards are met and report performance.

Skills

Wastewater knowledge

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Environmental risk assessment

Education

NVQ Level 4+ / HNC or HND

Tools

RAMS development

Job description

Severn Trent isn’t all water and wastewater in the Midlands. Severn Trent Services (STS) is a thriving non-regulated business providing outstanding services in the Utilities sector across the UK. We have an ambitious growth plan and are exploring a wealth of exciting strategic opportunities to cement our place as one of the sector leaders.

If you want to do more, and come on this journey, we want you on our team.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We are looking for a Waste Water Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise across all wastewater treatment, trade waste, surface water drainage, network and compliance activities.

The Wastewater Technical Lead ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of wastewater assets across multiple secure locations, while supporting operational teams and driving continuous improvement.

This role is based in Reading.

LETS TELL YOU MORE

Key Accountabilities Include

• Act as the technical authority for wastewater systems across MOD sites, including treatment works (WWTWs), trade effluent plants, pumping stations, rising mains, and sewer networks.
• Provide oversight and assurance of operational performance, environmental compliance, and maintenance activities.
• Support delivery of planned and reactive works, ensuring solutions are technically sound, efficient and in line with MOD and regulatory requirements.
• Lead on the review and development of risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and standard operating procedures.
• Support mobilisation and commissioning of new or upgraded wastewater infrastructure, including review of design documentation and asset handover.
• Work closely with operational teams to troubleshoot persistent issues, improve process efficiency, and reduce pollution risk.
• Collaborate with HSEQ teams to ensure all wastewater operations meet permit conditions, legal obligations, and MOD policies.
• Liaise with MOD stakeholders, regulators (e.g. Environment Agency), and supply chain partners regarding technical queries, incidents, or inspections.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of wastewater technologies, environmental legislation, and industry best practices.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to field staff and junior technicians to build internal technical capability.
• Analysis of wastewater network blockage and flooding incidents, initiating interventions to prevent the likelihood of reoccurrence.
• Accountability for MCERT (Environment Agency (EA) - Monitoring Certification Scheme - flow from Sewage Treatment Works (STW)) site audits, including data download, analysis, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Reporting STW and Wastewater network performance to peer groups, business and strategic leadership teams
• Support emergency response planning and out-of-hours escalation as required

LETS TELL YOU MORE

In order to succeed in this role, you will bring extensive experience within wastewater treatment, network operations, or a similar utility engineering environment, supported by a strong technical understanding of wastewater processes, environmental risks, and compliance obligations such as discharge consents.

You will be a confident leader with proven decision-making capabilities, particularly when managing complex or high-risk operational situations. Relevant qualifications in Environmental Engineering, Wastewater Operations, Process Engineering, or a related discipline (NVQ Level 4+, HNC/HND, or equivalent) are essential, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

This role requires a full UK driving licence and the flexibility to work a nine day fortnight when required.

How We'll Reward And Care For You

It's not just a job; it's a career. We offer benefits that reward great work and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. Plus, you'll contribute to the environment and community too. Here are some of our favourites:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 15% of salary dependent on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme - we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Family friendly policies (including, a year off fully paid maternity and adoption leave)
• Sharesave - the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our 'Academy'
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two volunteering days per year