Principle Process Scientist

We are looking for a Principle Process Scientist to join Thames Water on a fixed term basis. This is a 26 weeks contract ending in May 2025.

The purpose of this role is to provide the business with expert wastewater treatment process knowledge and direction in order to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements.

Take accountability for those STWs allocated and support the wider team to enable us to focus the team and individual expertise on specific issues. 

You will be the key point of contact for the operational area for any compliance and regulatory issues. 

What you will be doing as a Principle Process Scientist

• Lead on optimisation projects with significant defined benefits
• Demonstrating continuous improvement of processes, linking in SOM / EPR / OMP / Standards / AMP7 / Operational Excellence / Innovation team and all other initiatives
• Support and review Final Effluent & mid-process monitoring, respond & escalate rising trends of concern
• Demonstrate a drive to increase engagement score within your team. You should illustrate this by striving for 80% participation rate in Engagement survey with regular quarterly engagement feedback sessions and demonstrable tangible action plans in place in line with the corporate H4U calendar
• Reduce sickness absence through 100% completion of RTW meetings, proactively monitoring and managing attendance including taking appropriate supportive steps, utilising occupational health and where required absence management procedures
• Manage training, development, learning and continuous improvement in your team to support performance
• Demonstrate effective talent management with a focus on high potential talent, including visible support for Mentors, Apprentices, Upskillers and Tech to Manager development
• Proactively manage the performance of the team including effective review of performance and robust support plans to ensure all employees perform to the required standard
• Proactively manage recruitment process with recruitment team, ensuring PAWS are processed with 48hrs, interviews are scheduled before advert closing date
• Ensure that effective daily huddles occur across own area in line with ‘Managing Our Business’ principles and that at audit all areas achieve a green pass with demonstrable actions plans where required
• Ensure that monthly briefings / team meetings covering company key messages such as H&S, communications (team talk), operational performance with documented attendance sheet take place
• Proactively manage the performance of the team including effective review of performance and robust support plans to ensure all employees perform to the required standard
• Hold monthly 1:1 meeting with direct reports
• Carry out 1 task observation a month for their direct reports (where applicable)

What you should bring to the role

• HNC or degree (or equivalent) in a Scientific or Engineering Being registered or chartered scientist would be an advantage although this is not essential
• Significant experience in water treatment processes, supply or regulation, with experience of working with Sample Manager, EQUIS and SAP systems would be desirable
• Good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills are also key to this role as you will be liaising with internal stakeholders within Thames Water on a day-to-day basis
• The ability to work in a logical and analytical manner and be able to maintain a positive and professional approach when dealing with customers is also essential
• Travel to other sites is required as a major part of this role thus a driving license is essential

What's in it for you

• Hourly Pay rate: £25-£30 depending on skills and experience 
• Expenses: Excluded
• Location: Hockford (STW) - GU24 ODE (Travel to other sites required) 
• Length of assignment: 26 weeks
• Hours: 16 hours per week, working 2 days per week Monday and Friday

Who are we? 
At Thames Water, our purpose is crystal clear - to deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities and planet can thrive. 
 
Water is life’s great leveller. Every living thing needs it, every single day. From people to plants, birds to bees, farms to factories, we all need it to thrive, and we’re committed to taking care of it for us all. 
 
But keeping water flowing is becoming harder. From scorching summers to wetter winters, extreme weather affects everything from our pipes to our local rivers. We need to keep millions more kettles boiling, public services operating, washing machines spinning, showers running and more, so every drop is more precious than ever. Are you ready to play your part? 

Working at Thames Water 
At Thames Water we recognise that people are at the heart of our business. To help us succeed in providing life's essential service, we need a range of skills and capabilities, representative of society throughout our business. 

We seek to attract and retain a cultural mix of people who can offer different but complementary attitudes, values, talents, and knowledge. We understand the importance of appreciating and harnessing the unique skills, experiences, background, and differences that each individual brings. 

Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive great place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Find out more about working at Thames Water. 

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way. 

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.