Operations Manager

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the teams Plymouth and surrounding area responsible for operating and maintaining our sewage treatment works, sludge treatment facilities, terminal pumping stations and wider pumping station network. This is a key leadership role that ensures we meet Environment Agency permits, legislative requirements and serviceability standards, while creating a safe, high-performing and engaged workforce.

If you are passionate about operational excellence, people leadership and delivering essential services to communities, we’d love to hear from you.

As our Operations Manager, you will:

• Provide inspiring leadership, engagement and development for Wastewater teams, covering Waste Water Treatment Services, Pumping Stations, Sludge Treatment Centres, Sewerage Network operations and customer service response creating a supportive and inclusive working environment.

• Oversee the safe operation and routine maintenance of treatment assets, pumping stations and sludge facilities in line with all company, environmental and legislative requirements.

• Build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including the Environment Agency, local communities and customer focus groups.

• Ensure full compliance with company procedures, including the Quality Management System (QMS).

• Deliver the Waste Water Business Plan and ensure all Operational Business Objectives and Targets are met (including WW Compliance, Pollution incidents, Storm Overflows, Bioresources and Sewer Flooding).

• Ensure Health & Safety excellence and drive continuous improvement in Homesafe culture.

• Deliver consistent improvements in environmental performance and customer experience (CMEX).

• Manage and govern OPEX and Reactive CAPEX budgets effectively, providing clear monthly reporting and action plans.

• Support the management of key contracts across Wastewater.

• Represent the business in community forums and occasionally with media if required.

• Identify and promote improvements for inclusion in the capital programme.

• Proven leadership experience in an operational environment.

• Strong experience managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets.

• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams

• Recognised management training or development qualification.

Desirable:

• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification (or willingness to obtain).

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

• A discretionary Bonus

• A car allowance

• Competitive Contributory Pension

• Share-save Scheme

• Various health benefits

• Wellbeing support programmes

• A range of Group Discounts

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Financial support services

• And plenty more!

Closing Date: 4th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.