Overview
Job Location: Home
Additional Location Information: United Kingdom
Salary: Competitive
Contract type: Permanent
Posting End Date: 30/03/2026
Independent Water Networks, part of the BUUK Group, is looking for Head of Water and Wastewater Operations who would like to help us reach our mission to “earn customer loyalty and drive business growth by providing consistently excellent service”. Independent Water Networks is a licensed water company serving customers throughout England and Wales. We operate under a NAV license, whereby we are appointed by Ofwat to provide water and/or sewerage services to consumers.
This role reports to our Water Networks Director and requires national travel, as well as a regular presence at our offices in Cardiff.
Purpose of this role
Customer focused resilience planning and preparedness for incidents. Response to reactive asset failures and customer needs via internal resources, incumbent emergency agreements and / or supply partners. Coordination, planning, scheduling and delivery of planned audits, inspections and routine maintenance (as prescribed by annual plan) via supply partners and internal resources. Turn good ideas into action.
Your Key Responsibilities
* Leading the Operational teams of IWNL.
* Provide leadership and tactical management of operational work across BUUK Water & Wastewater networks, new connections and operational account management.
* Liaise with incumbent wholesale account managers to ensure that the correct processes are implemented for unplanned events.
* Manage the process to ensure all new site bulk meters are connected to corporate telemetry system (GasCore) and site specific emergency and resilience plans.
* Ensure that audits and network operations are carried out to ensure compliance with safety rules and operational procedures.
* Provide strategic leadership to the organisation and promote and encourage team development and employee engagement with coaching and mentoring to both direct and indirect reports as well as other employees.
* Play a leading role in the growth of the organisation.
* Deputise for Water Networks Director as required and any other duties as required by the line manager.
Qualifications
Degree level.
Experience/Knowledge
Installation, commissioning and operation of water & wastewater networks and have a proven track record in delivering against key performance indicators.
An in-depth knowledge of current legislation, technical standards & specifications, Codes of Practice and industry recommendations relating to Water and Wastewater networks.
Abilities/Skills
Substantial experience in liaising and working with partners, contractors, incumbents and developers to facilitate the successful delivery, operation and maintenance of new water and wastewater networks.
Proven track record of leading teams to operate and manage new assets, safely, whilst balancing needs of cost, risk and performance.
Desirable
Incorporated or Chartered status.
Experience of implementing quality control management system.
Experience of mapping and delivering customer focussed journey plans.
Conditions of Employment
This role requires you to be vetted under National Security Vetting Service in line with DEFRA requirements. This check will enable you to interact with government organisations and share sensitive and classified information in the event of an incident.
You are required to have your criminal records checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is due to going into customers’ homes.
You will be required to participate in a standby rota.
You will hold a driving licence.
What Can You Expect From Us
Cost of living annual pay review.
Company pension contributions up to 10% if employees contribute 5%.
33 days holiday including bank holidays with the ability to purchase an additional 2 weeks.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
To say thank you, each time you successfully refer someone you will receive a referral payment of £1000 (net of tax).
Hybrid working for eligible roles.
Development opportunities to reach your career aspirations.
BUUK has an award-winning culture. We care about your wellbeing and safety as we all deserve the right to go home safe, every day. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we respect each other and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in all we do.
Research shows that women and people from different underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you would like to be a part of our team and you meet many, but not all our requirements for this role, please apply. You can also ask us about flexible working options.
Please note we reserve the right to close the role early. Therefore, if you’re interested in this role, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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