Water Process Science Manager

Southern Water; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water seeks a Water Process Science Manager to lead the technical direction in water treatment across regions. This senior role requires strategic planning, people development, and a strong understanding of water regulations. As a leader, you will drive innovation, ensure compliance, and foster team capability in water quality management.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development and training opportunities

Flexible and hybrid working options

Culture that champions innovation

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in water quality or water supply.
• Proven leadership in a technical/scientific environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK water regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in water process science.
• Manage a team of Principal Process Scientists.
• Lead cross-functional teams during water quality events.

Skills

Water quality

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data management

Education

Technical or scientific degree

Job description

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Water Process Science Manager, Southampton

Client: Southern Water

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: be754706f99e

Job Views: 3

Posted: 02.07.2025

Expiry Date: 16.08.2025

Job Description:

Closing Date: 2025-07-31

Job Title: Water Process Science Manager

Location: Kent, Sussex or Hampshire (hybrid working and willing to travel across all site areas)

Salary: around £80,000 depending on experience (plus car allowance)

Lead the Future of Water Quality

Are you a strategic and experienced water professional ready to make a measurable impact? We're seeking a Water Process Science Manager to lead the technical direction and excellence of our water treatment process science across all regions.

This is a senior leadership role, combining hands-on technical expertise, strategic planning, and people development. You will be responsible for driving innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding best practice through the development of technical strategies, standards, and team capability.

About the Role

As our Water Process Science Manager, you will:

• Provide technical leadership in water process science, acting as the company’s expert voice on water treatment.
• Manage and develop a team of Principal Process Scientists across multiple regions.
• Develop and continuously improve technical strategies, standards, QA/QC procedures, and risk controls for water treatment processes and networks.
• Ensure process science contributions are embedded in operational decision-making and capital projects.
• Lead and support cross-functional teams during Level 2 and Level 3 water quality events and provide guidance on operational activities.
• Collaborate with internal innovation teams and external partners to trial and implement new technologies and solutions.
• Drive knowledge sharing and technical upskilling across the business, including mentoring and training junior staff.
• Establish and lead cross-business technical working groups to resolve challenges and uphold technical excellence.

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for a dynamic leader with:

• Extensive experience in water quality or water supply, with understanding of treatment processes and regulations.
• Proven leadership and line management experience in a technical/scientific environment.
• A technical or scientific degree (honours or higher) – chartered status and membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., CIWEM, RSC, IRCA) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK water regulations and their practical application.
• Confidence in managing complex data sets and translating insights into action.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills – able to influence at all levels.
• A strategic mindset and passion for driving performance improvement and innovation.

Why Join Us?

At Southern Water, we’re committed to protecting public health and the environment through science, innovation, and operational excellence. Join a collaborative, forward-thinking team to shape the future of water quality for generations.

We offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Career development and training opportunities
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A culture that champions innovation, inclusion, and sustainability

Ready to lead and inspire in a critical technical role? Apply today and help us deliver safe, sustainable water through world-class process science.