Reservoir Programme Lead

Company: South East Water
Apply for the Reservoir Programme Lead
Location: Detling
Job Description:

Are you ready to build momentum and drive high-impact success? We’re on a mission to be the water company people trust to supply them and are proud to work for–and we need a driven leader to help us achieve it.

As our Reservoir Programme Lead, you will take total ownership of our essential rolling programme to clean and maintain every service reservoir across our network. Moving into this crucial role, you will be the driving force ensuring we consistently deliver on our key commitments to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). From securing vital resources and establishing clear timelines to mitigating risks and solving complex issues, you’ll lead the charge in translating strategic goals into flawless execution.

Collaboration is at the heart of this post. You’ll act as the key focal point for the entire initiative, working hand-in-hand with key stakeholders across Operations, Asset Management, and Engineering to keep progress on track and keep leadership informed. Please note that participation in a manager’s standby rota is an essential requirement for this position.

If you bring essential knowledge of water network systems, understand the critical function of service reservoirs, and are hungry to take on greater responsibility while accelerating your career, then don’t miss out on this opportunity—apply today to lead our delivery into the future!

Main responsibilities

  • Own/Review the planned programme including timelines and resources needed to successfully deliver the project
  • Consult with key stakeholders to write OMSs to streamline the process and minimise the need for DM or PM input
  • Coordinate and manage response to water quality failures resulting in reactive reservoir cleans
  • SME to be the point of contact for any issues
  • Participate in manager’s standby rota
  • Organise and lead regional project meetings and OMS review meetings
  • Work collaboratively with Engineering, Asset Management, Distribution, and Production stakeholders
  • Plan any enabling works with schedulers (technician involvement)
  • Undertake site visits to locate and identify assets (check access and operation of valves/washouts, air valves, etc.)
  • Undertake reservoir isolation and return-to-service valve operations
  • Organise the necessary WQ samples and ensure these are taken in accordance with the return-to-service method statement
  • Plan contingencies for all sites
  • Report monthly on progress against the reservoir C&I programme to the Reservoir Steering Group
  • Post and plate all valves, hydrants, washouts and other key assets on site
  • Raise any hazards on site and follow through to satisfactory resolution
  • Ensure the Site Schematic program is updated and kept up to date
  • Ensure the site manual is updated
  • Ensure Geofield updates are completed
  • Hold weekly meetings to discuss and present the programme of works to the regional management team
  • Conduct regular site visits to oversee progress of works, taking ownership of any remedial actions
  • Sign off once complete and provide a summary document of the project for future reference

Experience, qualifications and skills (essential)

  • Experience in water network systems and the function of a service reservoir is essential. Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Strong time‑management and organisational skills.
  • Practical technical experience of a water network is desirable but not essential.
  • Project‑management experience is useful.
  • The ability to solve complex problems and drive continuous improvement.
  • A strong health and safety culture.
  • Understanding of the regulatory set‑up of the water industry.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.

The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise that creativity comes from diversity, not similarity. We are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package

  • Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
  • 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
  • Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
  • Paid volunteering days.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Health cash plan.
  • Life assurance.
  • Wellbeing‑related benefits.

Compensation package

Salary range £38,498.00 – £50,971.50, plus standby allowance (£3,355) and a company van.

You must have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water, and you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

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Posted: July 25th, 2026