Shift Controller

Coverage: The base Location will be the Swinford Water Production site in Oxfordshire (OX29 4BZ) but may require the undertaking of travel for training.

Shift Pattern: 12-hour rotating shifts.

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

An exciting opportunity to grow your career with the UK’s largest water and wastewater company.

Are you ready to take on a high-impact role in the heart of water production?
We’re looking for a Shift Controller to join our team, producing millions of litres of safe, clean, and high-quality drinking water every day for customers across the Guildford area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a close-knit, supportive team in a highly responsible and influential position. You'll monitor, control, and optimise key water treatment processes, ensuring the continued delivery of top-quality water – one of the most vital services to our communities.

What you'll be doing as a Shift Controller:

• Operate and optimise water treatment processes using SCADA systems.
• Monitor site operations and ensure compliance with water quality and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot issues and take rapid, effective action to resolve operational challenges.
• Respond to site faults and emergencies, intervening manually when necessary.
• Work closely with site managers, maintenance teams, and central control centres.
• Conduct water sampling and analysis to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Keep thorough records of shifts, operational changes, and incidents.
• Support and promote a safe working environment by participating in risk assessments and safety initiatives.
• Stay up to date with technical procedures and evolving operational standards.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in a process, production, or manufacturing environment.
• A strong, hands-on problem solver with attention to detail and technical aptitude.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to make clear, informed decisions during operational challenges.
• Confident using IT systems and tools, including Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems is highly desirable.
• A proactive, team-focused approach with excellent communication skills.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary up to £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Contributory Pension: Defined Contribution scheme with up to 12% employer contribution (2x employee contribution).
• Personal Medical Assessments: Available annually to all employees.
• Benefits on Tap: Access to discounts, cashback, and instant vouchers.
• Generous Paternity Leave: 4 weeks paid, plus an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
• Enhanced Maternity Leave: 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Performance Development: Ongoing reviews to support your growth and success.
• Wider Benefits Scheme: Includes a benefits hub offering savings, wellbeing support, and exclusive offers.

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.

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. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

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 and meet colleagues.

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.