Water Quality Field Operations Manager

Leep Utilities; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility services company is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the development of a Quality Management System for their water sampling operations. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and the Drinking Water Testing Specification, overseeing a small team and managing quality assurance protocols. This role is critical for achieving UKAS accreditation, with responsibilities including training, auditing, and continuous improvement of processes. A degree in a related discipline and leadership experience are essential for this position.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday + bank holidays

Annual discretionary bonus

Company pension plan

Health Cash plan

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UKAS accreditation requirements.
• Experience in quality management within a regulatory environment.
• Proven experience in managing audits and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a Quality Management System for water sampling operations.
• Implement quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with standards.
• Manage a team and oversee statutory sampling programmes.

Skills

Knowledge of Water Supply Regulations

Experience with ISO 17025

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Digital systems competence

Education

Degree in Environmental Science or related discipline

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Leep Utilities, we're not just providing essential services like water, electricity and heat. We’re shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure across the UK. We work with leading developers to provide sustainable and quality utility services to our partnered communities, playing a key role in innovative projects that are transforming the way people live and work.

Leep is the result of a joint venture between the independent mid-market infrastructure investment manager, Ancala Partners LLP and one of the UK’s leading private real estate investment and infrastructure companies, The Peel Group.

Leep Utilities – Network adoptions done right

Department : Regulation and Compliance

Location : Manchester or Reading / Hybrid

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Quality Manager to lead the development and implementation of a robust Quality Management System (QMS) for our water sampling operations. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 and the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS), with the ultimate aim of achieving and maintaining UKAS accreditation.

Initially, you will focus on designing and embedding processes and standards to bring water sampling in-house. You will take responsibility for managing a small team of Water Quality Samplers and Water Fittings Inspectors, delivering statutory and operational sampling programmes and investigations. You will also develop and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability, and once the QMS and accreditation are in place, you will oversee ongoing compliance with all relevant standards and requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a critical function within our business. If you have a strong understanding of ISO / IEC 17025 and DWTS requirements, proven experience in quality management within a technical or regulatory environment, and the ability to lead and inspire a team, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Establishing Quality Management System and Accreditation

• Design and implement a Quality Management System for sampling activities, aligned with ISO 17025 and DWTS requirements.
• Develop and maintain documented policies, procedures, and audit trails for sampling, transportation, and chain of custody.
• Develop and implement robust quality assurance protocols to ensure the integrity and reliability of all water sampling operations.
• Liaise with UKAS and regulatory bodies (e.g., DWI) to ensure compliance and readiness for accreditation audits.
• Lead internal audits and proficiency testing schemes; manage corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Train and competence-assess sampling staff to meet accreditation standards.
• Prepare and submit UKAS application and manage assessment process to gain accreditation.
• Once the QMS and accreditation are established, ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant standards and requirements, including regular review and continuous improvement of quality assurance processes.

Risk Management and Compliance Escalation

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and compliance risks associated with water quality sampling and water fittings duties.
• Integrate risk management practices into all operational processes, ensuring risks are monitored, documented, and addressed in a timely manner.
• Escalate significant risks or compliance issues according to company policy, ensuring prompt notification to senior management as required.
• Maintain robust records of risk assessments, mitigation actions, and escalation outcomes.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness and continuous improvement within the team.

Operational Leadership

• Manage a team of Water Quality Samplers and Water Fittings inspectors, ensuring safe and compliant operations.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards for team members, regularly monitor progress, and conduct performance reviews. Monitoring KPIs (e.g., % samples on time, compliance rate) and report performance to senior management.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to develop team members’ skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement, alongside leading recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for new and existing staff.
• Address performance issues constructively and in line with company policy, supporting professional development and, where necessary, managing disciplinary processes.
• Oversee delivery of statutory and operational sampling programmes across all water supply zones, whilst providing expert advice on compliance with all water quality sampling and water fittings matters.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety, COSHH, and environmental requirements.
• Optimise scheduling and resource allocation using digital tools for route planning and workload balancing.
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including subcontracted laboratory providers and industry forums.

About You

Essential

• Strong knowledge of Water Supply Regulations and UKAS accreditation requirements.
• Experience in implementing ISO 17025-compliant systems and managing audits.
• Proven ability to lead teams and embed a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Competence in digital systems (LIMS, scheduling software, Microsoft Office).

Desirable

• Degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Previous experience in water quality sampling or laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) requirements and DWTS.

Your Development and Benefits

At Leep, we believe in stable growth and putting our people first. Our 5-year strategic growth plan gives us stability today and prepares us for the future, while nurturing a strong collaborative and supportive culture.

Benefits

• Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays
• An additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Car allowance
• Company pension plan
• Health Cash plan through Westfield Health
• Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme
• Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Summer Party and individual team socials
• Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do :

Safety, Customer Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility

Equal Opportunities

Leep Utilities is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any appropriate accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.