Water Quality Manager

South West Water Limited; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Bonus

Private Healthcare

Company car or cash for car allowance

Competitive contributory pension

Share‑save scheme

Health benefits & wellbeing support

Group discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Financial support services

Development and training opportunities

Job summary

South West Water Limited is seeking an experienced Water Quality Manager to lead our Water Quality function across the western area of our South West and Bournemouth operating region. You will provide strategic, operational and technical leadership to safeguard drinking water quality from source to tap.

As a trusted leader, you will empower and develop a team of technical specialists, championing our Quality First and HomeSafe principles while maintaining the highest standards of customer

Qualifications

• Experience in water quality or environmental science.
• Proven leadership of professional/technical teams.
• Experience operating in a regulated environment.
• Proven compliance, risk and regulatory stakeholder management.
• Strong communication and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Water Quality team across the western region.
• Act as the lead expert for drinking water quality.
• Provide strategic direction to ensure safe, compliant water from source to tap.
• Build relationships with regulators and stakeholders and report effectively.
• Investigate water quality incidents and regulatory triggers.
• Support long-term quality strategies and investment decisions.
• Champion drinking water safety planning and risk-based approaches.
• Oversee commissioning and change initiatives related to water quality.

Skills

Water quality management

Leadership

Regulated environment

Compliance management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Relevant scientific degree

Chartered Scientist (desirable)

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Location: Plymouth / Redruth with travel across the South West region
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Driving Licence: Full UK Driving Licence Required

Protect Public Health. Lead Technical Excellence. Shape the Future of Drinking Water.

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Water Quality Manager to lead our Water Quality function across the western area of our South West and Bournemouth operating region.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding drinking water quality for thousands of customers across a diverse geographical area stretching from Torbay to the Isles of Scilly. You will provide strategic, operational and technical leadership, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement and innovation across the business.

As a trusted leader, you will empower and develop a team of technical specialists, championing our Quality First and HomeSafe principles while maintaining the highest standards of customer protection and public confidence.

What you'll be doing:

As Water Quality Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Water Quality team, creating an inclusive and positive culture focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement.

• Act as the lead expert for drinking water quality across the western operating area.

• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership to support the delivery of safe, compliant drinking water from source to tap.

• Build strong relationships with regulators, public health professionals and key stakeholders, ensuring effective reporting and liaison.

• Investigate and manage water quality incidents, events and regulatory triggers.

• Support the development and delivery of long-term drinking water quality strategies and business plans.

• Contribute to investment decisions by providing technical assessment of operational and asset-related water quality risks.

• Lead water quality activities associated with commissioning new schemes and operational changes.

• Champion Drinking Water Safety Planning and risk-based approaches across the organisation.

• Support emergency response arrangements, including out-of-hours technical advice when required.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental and water quality legislation.

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a collaborative and influential leader with significant experience in water quality management or scientific operations.

You’ll bring:

• Extensive experience in water quality, environmental science or a related technical field.

• Proven success leading and developing professional or technical teams.

• Strong experience operating within a regulated environment.

• Demonstrable experience managing compliance, risk and regulatory stakeholder relationships.

• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to make evidence‑based decisions.

• A positive, resilient and flexible leadership style.

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant scientific degree (or higher qualification).

• Full UK Driving Licence.

• In‑depth knowledge of water quality legislation, water treatment and distribution processes.

• Strong understanding of health and safety, regulatory and environmental requirements.

Desirable Qualifications

• Chartered Scientist status.

• Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIWEM, IWA or RSC.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to public health and environmental protection while leading a team of dedicated professionals.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Bonus

• Private Healthcare

• Company car or cash for car allowance

• Competitive contributory pension

• Share‑save scheme

• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes

• Group discounts

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Financial support services

• Development and training opportunities
  … and much more!

Closing Date: 1st September 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.