The Role
Are you ready to make a real impact at the heart of our county operations? This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team focused on delivering smarter, more efficient planning and performance across our network. You'll bring together Operational, Engineering, Maintenance, and Data expertise to create a truly integrated approach-driving excellence and innovation in everything we do.
You'll lead a team of up to 8 direct reports, with overall responsibility for 20-30 employees. This is a delivery-focused role where your ability to influence across functions is key. Working within a matrix structure, you'll drive performance by identifying inefficiencies, aligning teams, and embedding smarter ways of working-without relying on traditional line management. Collaboration will be central as you work closely with the Treatment and Network Delivery Managers to shape and deliver an optimised annual county plan.
Role Accountabilities
* Provide day-to-day leadership as part of the County Business Leader's management team, inspiring the System Performance team to uphold company values, culture, and reputation.
* Lead and manage a team of up to 8 direct reports, with overall responsibility for 20-30 employees, fostering a high-performance culture.
* Develop and deliver a coordinated strategic annual operational plan for the county, translating long-term business goals into actionable programmes aligned with regulatory requirements.
* Collaborate closely with the Treatment and Network Delivery Managers to ensure seamless planning and execution across operational areas.
* Monitor performance across the end-to-end system, identifying and leading course corrections to maintain delivery against targets.
* Influence across functions in a matrix environment to drive efficiency, embed smarter ways of working, and improve overall system performance.
* Ensure delivery of financial plans, key performance targets, and regulatory compliance through strong managerial oversight.
* Maintain a high level of understanding of the regulatory and legislative framework surrounding water/wastewater operations, with awareness of broader business issues.
* Apply well-developed analytical skills to identify, develop, and implement solutions to a wide range of financial, technical, and managerial challenges.
* Maintain a strong customer focus in all aspects of planning and delivery.
* Balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic planning to ensure sustainable asset management.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a senior operational or performance-focused role, ideally within the water or wastewater sector.
* A degree-level qualification and membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g. CIWEM or IWO) is preferred.
* A full UK driving licence is required, as travel across the Northwest will be essential.
* A deep understanding of the regulatory and legislative framework governing water/wastewater operations.
* Strong awareness of wider business issues across all levels of operational delivery.
* Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop large teams.
* A strong presence and confidence to challenge performance outcomes and influence senior stakeholders.
* High levels of managerial capability to deliver financial plans, meet performance targets, and ensure regulatory compliance.
* Well-developed analytical skills to solve complex financial, technical, and managerial challenges.
* Effective long- and short-term planning ability to manage assets and operations both day‑to‑day and strategically.
* Ability to lead and influence within a matrix management structure, driving performance without direct authority.
* Willingness and ability to work outside of normal hours, including participation in an out-of-hours rota aligned to the operational needs of the business.
Benefits
* A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays.
* A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover.
* Car cash allowance - £5,000.
* Up to 20% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements.
* A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme.
* MyGymDiscounts – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions.
* Best Doctors.
* Salary Finance.
* Wealth at Work courses.
* Deals and discounts.
* EVolve Car Scheme.
* Employee Assistance Plan.
* Mental health first aiders.
* ShareBuy.
* MORE Choices flexible benefits.
* Enhanced parental leave schemes.
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