Do you enjoy leading a team, driving high Health & Safety standards, and improving performance in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment?
We’re looking for a THP Performance Manager to join our Thames Valley North Wastewater Operations team at one of the largest treatment works in Oxford.
You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Thermal Hydrolysis Plant (THP), leading and developing a team of multi-skilled technicians. The role includes managing a £2m budget, overseeing planned and reactive maintenance, and optimising processes to maximise green energy production from THP, anaerobic digesters, and CHP engines.
With environmental impact at the heart of what we do at Thames Water, you’ll drive operational improvements while fostering a strong, motivated team culture.
This is a 36-hour, Monday–Friday role based in Oxford, with travel to other sites (full driving licence and car required) and participation in an out-of-hours rota as part of our 24-hour operation.
What will you be doing as a THP Performance Manager?
1. Health and Safety – This is our number 1 priority for everyone in our team, and you will effectively lead the Health & Safety culture of the team as well, driving and creating an environment where good practices are a way of everyday life and total compliance is adhered to.
2. Process Management – ensuring the THP achieves and maintains its required plant availability and reliability to meet quality targets at the agreed cost. This will include the management of regular plant shutdowns to enable statutory inspections to be completed.
3. Performance Management – Driving the team to achieve optimal performance in terms of work management, along with being responsible for developing the team and introducing new skills and Health & Safety awareness.
4. Financial Management – owning and managing the budgetary and financial activities of the team and driving efficiencies into the overall operational budget.
5. Customer & Stakeholder Management - ensuring an exceptional service to our customers with early personal interventions as required.
What should you bring to the role?
We are looking for an experienced people-manager who can make a difference and has:
6. Technical knowledge and experience of complex process plant (ideally THP, anaerobic digesters, boilers, sludge dewatering plants, CHP engines) will be underpinned by a background in wastewater treatment or a similar industry.
7. Experience of successfully managing an operational team, being able to demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to develop, coach, motivate and engage a team. Connecting and collaborating intensively within your team and across the organisation.
8. Experience of leading and demanding a Health & Safety culture, driving and creating an environment where good practices are a way of everyday life and total compliance is adhered to.
9. Ideally, you will be IOSH or equivalent qualified.
10. A leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen and offer sound feedback. A vision for the business and the wider team, the ability to adapt and be decisive in a rapid-paced environment.
11. Proven track record of raising the standards within a team.
12. Computer literate. Be able to analyse data on Microsoft Packages such as excel/word/power point.
13. BOAS and/or WAMITAB qualifications will be beneficial, but training will be given to the successful candidate.
14. A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
What’s in it for you?
15. Offering a salary up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
16. Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays).
17. Cycle to work scheme, always on and up to £3k, save money, get fit and help protect the environment.
18. Benefits on Tap, access to discounts, cashback and instant vouchers.
19. Generous Paternity Leave, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
20. Enhanced Maternity Leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
21. Ongoing performance development reviews to help you be your best and identify growth opportunities.
22. Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.