Job number UU05397 Country United Kingdom Region Lancashire Location name Blackburn waste water treatment works, Cuerdale Lane Samlesbury Blackburn Lancashire PR5 0UY Posting End Date 06/05/2026 Band 3 Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary Competitive Salary
Lead the network. Own the operation. Shape what's next.
The Role
We’re looking for an exceptional operational leader to step into a critical role at the heart of our wastewater network.
As County Network Operations Lead, you’ll take ownership of a complex, live operational environment—leading the performance of wastewater networks across your region. This isn’t a programme or project role. This is a dynamic, end-to-end operation where every decision impacts customers, communities, and the environment in real time.
You’ll lead a team of experienced managers and a wider operational workforce, ensuring the safe, efficient and customer-focused delivery of network performance—while also shaping how the operation evolves for the future.
This is a rare opportunity to inherit a well-established function and take it to the next level.
What You'll be doing......
* Leading the end-to-end wastewater network operation, including reactive response, pumping stations and asset performance
* Managing a team of 5 direct reports and an overall function of circa 125 people
* Owning and delivering against a c.£10m operational budget
* Driving operational performance, resilience and continuous improvement
* Responding to escalations across customer, asset and network challenges
* Building and maintaining relationships with senior external stakeholders (including MPs, local authorities and community groups)
* Playing a key role within the senior leadership team, contributing to wider strategic direction
* Identifying trends, risks and opportunities—translating insight into action
* Foster team development through ongoing feedback and coaching, building confidence and capability across the team, with continued emphasis on staff development and succession planning.
* To act as a Health and Safety champion and drive the message that “Nothing we do is worth getting hurt for”
* Ensure the appropriate and timely response to all network operational events or incidents and support with wider business events as required
What We're Looking For......
This is a high-impact leadership role. We’re looking for someone who can combine operational excellence with strategic thinking.
You’ll bring:
* Proven experience in utilities operations (e.g. water, gas, electricity networks)
* Strong background in a regulated environment
* A track record of leading large, multi-layered operational teams
* Real-time network/service performance lead
* Strong customer focus and commercial awareness
* Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
* The ability to spot trends, think strategically and drive change
* A collaborative leadership style—this role is key to an integrated, high-performing team
Experience within the water industry or network-based environments is highly desirable.
Why This Role?
This is more than a leadership position—it’s a chance to step into a role with real legacy and shape what comes next.
You’ll be:
* Taking over from a long-standing, highly respected leader
* Leading a critical operational function with real visibility and impact
* Given the opportunity to modernise, innovate and improve performance
* Working in a role that blends strategy, operations and stakeholder influence
We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just maintain performance—but elevates it.
Working Pattern
This role is site-based in Blackburn, with flexibility:
* Typically, 2–3 days on-site (team and leadership engagement)
* Regular time in the field and with stakeholders
* Flexibility to work remotely where appropriate
Why join us?
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:
* 26 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays
* Up to 14% employer pension contribution
* Up to 20% performance‑related bonus
* £5,000 annual car allowance
* Company‑funded healthcare plan
* Discounts, wellbeing support, EV scheme, ShareBuy and more
* Enhanced parental leave and flexible benefit
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