This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to one of the water industry's most critical challenges while developing your expertise across data, network operations, and strategic resolution planning. Hydrosave is part of the South Staffordshire Group – a 3,000-strong organisation behind South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water, and several leading utility support businesses – offering long-term development and career progression.
Hydrosave is seeking an experienced Head of Operations – Leakage to lead the end-to-end delivery of leakage reduction services under the Scottish Water framework.
This senior leadership role will be responsible for the technical, operational, and commercial performance of our leakage programmes across Scotland. You will oversee the delivery of active leakage control (ALC) and associated support activities, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory targets, service level agreements, and contractual KPIs.
The role requires a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and strong client engagement, ensuring measurable reductions in water loss while supporting Scottish Water’s asset performance objectives.
The Role:
Operational & Technical Leadership
* Provide technical governance of leakage reduction programmes including active leakage control, network monitoring, and repair activities.
* Lead multidisciplinary operational teams, technical specialists, and subcontractors.
* Ensure programmes align with client asset strategies, regulatory leakage targets, and contractual KPIs.
* Use operational data and performance analysis to drive continuous improvement and network optimisation.
* Hold full budget ownership, including forecasting, cost control, and financial performance.
* Monitor commercial KPIs and ensure delivery meets profitability and contract targets.
* Identify operational efficiencies, resource optimisation, and opportunities for service improvement.
* Provide commercial reporting, risk management, and performance insights.
Resource & Performance Management
* Lead workforce planning and resource allocation across operational programmes.
* Track technical KPIs, productivity, and delivery milestones.
* Implement corrective actions where performance risks arise.
* Support the development and technical capability of operational teams.
Health, Safety & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, regulatory requirements, and client safety standards.
* Promote a strong safety culture through audits, briefings, and incident management.
* Maintain high standards of operational and regulatory compliance.
Client & Stakeholder Management
* Act as the primary operational interface with Scottish Water.
* Deliver clear performance reporting including KPIs, risks, and improvement plans.
* Build strong client relationships and ensure contractual service expectations are met.
* Provide technical insight to support long-term leakage reduction strategies.
What you’ll need:
We are looking for a strategic operational leader with experience in utilities or infrastructure environments.
* Background in water utilities, leakage management, or network operations.
* Proven leadership experience managing operational teams and programmes.
* Strong commercial awareness including budget management and contract performance.
* Knowledge of HSE standards and regulatory compliance within the utilities sector.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
What you’ll get in return:
* Family-Friendly Leave
Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days.
* Financial & Life Assurance
Life Assurance cover (role dependant) and a Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options.li>
* Health & Wellbeing
Employee Assistance Programme (8 counselling sessions) and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents.
* Lifestyle & Perks
Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers.
* Professional Development
Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities
* Inclusion & Belonging
Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more.
* Performance & Recognition
Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
* Flexibility & Opportunities
Overtime available and flexible shifts / hybrid working (role dependant)
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