Watercourse Maintenance Manager — Devon & Cornwall

South West Water Limited; Tavistock; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme

Pension scheme with company matching

Life Assurance

Group Income Protection

Enhanced Family Leave

Share Schemes

Health Cash Plan

Free On-Site Parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car Share Scheme

Give As You Earn Scheme

Paid Volunteering Day

Retail Discounts

Job summary

South West Water in Tavistock is seeking an experienced Watercourse Maintenance Manager to lead our specialist team responsible for maintaining historic leats and canals supporting drinking water and hydroelectric generation across Devon and Cornwall. You will oversee operations, safety, environmental compliance and budget management.

The role requires practical leadership, strong planning, and excellent communication with landowners and partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and managing operational teams.
• Experience in maintenance, repair and management of watercourses or similar infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Ability to plan workloads, manage priorities and drive performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience using planning/reporting software.
• Full UK Driving Licence including towing entitlement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Watercourse Maintenance Team to deliver maintenance activities safely and effectively.
• Plan, organise and supervise maintenance programmes for water supply and hydroelectric generation.
• Manage budgets, resources, equipment, contractors and specialist plant.
• Champion health, safety and wellbeing and ensure compliance with policies and safe systems of work.
• Ensure activities meet environmental, water quality and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee seasonal maintenance and achieve operational objectives.
• Build relationships with landowners, communities, environmental bodies and external partners.
• Work with biodiversity teams to manage invasive species.
• Support public safety through asset and infrastructure management.
• Deputise for the Hydro Team Maintenance Manager when required.

Skills

Team leadership

Watercourse management

Health and safety knowledge

Planning and prioritisation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Software for planning/reporting

Driving licence & towing

Education

IOSH Managing Safely

NVQ Level 2 in Estates/Building Maintenance

Tools

MS Office / planning software

Plant and machinery operation

Job description

South West Water in Tavistock is seeking an experienced Watercourse Maintenance Manager to lead our specialist team responsible for maintaining historic leats and canals supporting drinking water and hydroelectric generation across Devon and Cornwall. You will oversee operations, safety, environmental compliance and budget management.

The role requires practical leadership, strong planning, and excellent communication with landowners and partners.