Water Networks Air Valve Manager

We are looking for a Water Networks  Air Valve Manager to join Thames Water permanently.

The purpose of this role is to design and coordinate a maintenance programme for air valves across Thames Water's supply network. This involves ensuring all air valves are maintained and inspected in line with a risk-based programme, are accurately risk assessed for their contamination potential and follow-on work is triaged and actioned promptly.

This will be a mixture of contractor management, outcome management and likely building an internal team to deliver. The role will need to assess and recommend options for this.

The role would then provide leadership, productivity and safety management to a team of technicians across a large geographic area. 

It will also be a key guardian of water quality. In the first instance, the role will set up the maintenance programme, manage 3rd party supplier to deliver the first round of maintenance, recruit the team to do this sustainably and provide continuous improvement to the plan and process.

Air valves are essential for the operation of the network and water quality and their maintenance is vital to deliver improved supply interruptions and water quality performance.

Depending on your location you can be based at any of the following sites, however, will be required to travel to all locations for site visits and meetings.

• Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB, Hybrid - Coppermills (WTW) - E17 7HE, Hybrid - Farmoor (WTW) - OX2 9NS,  Hybrid - Hampton (WTW) - TW12 2ES.
• Monday – Friday 36 hours per week.

What you will be doing as a Water Networks Air Valve Manager?

• Recruit, and set up a team of technicians to maintain our air valve asset base. Carry out the day-to-day management and leadership of this team including managing (supported by corporate processes) training, safety, engagement etc.
• Set up and deliver a maintenance programme for air valves across the Thames Water estate. Integrate this into corporate systems.
• Manage a 3rd party supplier to deliver a short-term maintenance activity on our air valve asset base until the team is established.
• Manage the team to carry out water quality risk assessments on all air valves which feeds the maintenance plan.
• Improve the maintenance plan and delivery approach in terms of quality and efficiency as we learn from the .rollout
• Be responsible for your safety and that of your team, driving safety excellence and our vision of zero compromise.

What should you bring to the role?

• Operational experience ideally in a utility’s environment or similar.
• People management experience, ideally field-based team or evidence of an aptitude for this
• Have experience working in a safety-critical environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Highways and working on the highway would be beneficial.
• Understanding of water quality or aptitude to learn this.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint and Office Apps, GIS, and SAP.
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• New Roads and Street Works Level 3 would be beneficial but not essential.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £51,600 per annum depending on skills and experience plus you will receive a car allowance on top.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Whilst water or industrial process experience is desired, a willingness to learn, bringing enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility is essential. Full training will be provided as well as all work clothing, tools and equipment.
• GymPass is a free fitness plan and access to several well-being apps for you and up to three family members as well as discounted plans nationwide.
• Cycle to work scheme, always on and up to £3,000, save money, get fit and help protect the environment.
• WeCare, a variety of health and well-being services for you and your family including up to 10 specialist counselling sessions, 24/7 access to a virtual GP, get-fit programmes and access to a nutritionist.
• Benefits on Tap, access to discounts, cashback and instant vouchers.
• Generous Paternity Leave, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid
• Enhanced Maternity Leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Ongoing performance development reviews to help you be your best and identify growth opportunities.

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

The real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work.

We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.

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.