Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

We’re looking for an experienced and driven Operations Cleansing Manager to lead our Cleansing Team and deliver a high-impact Catchment Cleansing Programme. We welcome applications from candidates based in Devon and Cornwall, with the role requiring regular travel across the South West.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of planning and coordinating essential wastewater cleansing activity across our network, ensuring efficient delivery through both internal teams and contractor partners. Working closely with operational, planning, and asset management teams, you’ll be responsible for maximising performance, driving efficiencies, and ensuring programmes deliver real value within budget.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and enjoys balancing strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and manage the delivery of the Catchment Cleansing Programme

• Coordinate resources (including JetVac and Cityflex teams) to ensure efficient programme execution

• Prioritise work effectively, making timely, data-driven decisions on resource deployment

• Work collaboratively with operational and asset management teams to optimise programme outcomes

• Monitor performance, track resource utilisation, and identify opportunities for improvement

• Provide regular reporting on delivery, progress, and key risks or bottlenecks

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and long-term value

What we are looking for:

You’ll be a confident leader with strong operational judgement and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

Essential experience & skills:

• Experience in wastewater operations, environmental services, or resource planning

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Leadership experience supporting operational teams

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and resource planning systems

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant industry experience

Desirable:

• Project management experience

• Financial awareness and experience managing budgets or driving efficiencies

Why Join Us?

You’ll play a key role in delivering essential infrastructure services that make a real difference. In return, we offer a supportive environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to shape how operational programmes are delivered in the future.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Bonus

• Private Healthcare

• Company car or cash for car allowance

• Competitive contributory pension

• Share-save scheme

• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes

• Group discounts

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Financial support services

• Development and training opportunities
  … and much more!

Closing Date: 6th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.