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.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Asset Performance Technician to join our Drinking Water Services team. This role is pivotal in helping South West Water deliver a safe, reliable and efficient water supply service to our customers.

You will be responsible for monitoring the performance of drinking water network assets, analysing operational data, identifying improvement opportunities and supporting the delivery of maintenance and capital investment programmes. Working closely with operational, planning and asset management teams, you'll help optimise network performance while ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and customer service.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in water distribution operations who enjoys problem solving, technical analysis and driving continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess the performance of drinking water network assets, identifying trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

• Review and develop maintenance programmes to maximise network reliability and efficiency.

• Prepare and submit business cases and funding applications for asset investment and improvement projects.

• Support the planning and delivery of capital and revenue maintenance programmes across the network.

• Provide technical guidance and support to Network Maintenance Technicians.

• Plan and coordinate work activities, ensuring resources are available to deliver operational objectives.

• Complete and review risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for network activities.

• Maintain key asset management records relating to pressure management, service reservoir cleaning and network maintenance programmes.

• Work collaboratively with planning teams to ensure resource levels meet operational demands.

• Ensure compliance with New Roads and Street Works Act requirements, permit schemes and traffic management regulations.

• Liaise with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, regulators, developers and other stakeholders.

• Support the delivery of operational performance targets and regulatory commitments.

• Assist during emergency and incident response activities when required.

• Deputise for the DWS Network Asset Manager as required.

• Champion HomeSafe principles and ensure health, safety and wellbeing remain at the forefront of all activities.

• Participate in the DWS standby rota.

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and a Science subject.

• Experience within water distribution, network operations or a related utility environment.

• Experience of planning, coordinating and administering operational activities.

• Strong understanding of water network operations, maintenance and asset performance.

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and operational management systems.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain).

• Understanding of hydraulic principles within water distribution systems.

• Experience of surveying, asset assessment and street works requirements.

• Knowledge of COSHH, lone working and incident reporting processes.

• Experience of pipeline or process-based operational environments.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Self-motivated with excellent organisational skills.

• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Able to prioritise workloads and respond to changing business needs.

• Effective communicator who can build positive relationships with stakeholders.

• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.

• Safety-focused with a proactive approach to risk management.

Why Join South West Water?

At South West Water, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop their careers and feel valued for the contribution they make.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and company bonus scheme.

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 23 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service.

• Flexible holiday buy and sell scheme.

• Competitive pension with company contribution matching.

• Life assurance and group income protection.

• Enhanced family leave policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.

• Share schemes offering opportunities to become a shareholder in the business.

• Health and wellbeing support, including a health cash plan, free flu vaccinations and Employee Assistance Programme.

• Cycle to Work and Car Share schemes to support sustainable travel.

• Paid volunteering day to support causes important to you.

• A wide range of employee discounts and benefits.

• Free onsite parking and canteen facilities at our Exeter headquarters.

Closing Date: 9th Oct 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.