Production Manager

The Production Manager (Water Recycling) is the central point of responsibility for ensuring the reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of the entire sludge treatment process. This includes managing and supervising all monitoring, controlling, checking and maintenance activities. A key element of this role is the expert management of the sludge treatment process, including ensuring the correct and efficient use of all process chemicals.

Beyond the main treatment works, you will be responsible for the management and maintenance of lagoons across various Sussex sites, coordinating a strict three-year cleaning and maintenance cycle. Crucially, you will be the Sludge Budget Holder for the Sussex area, requiring you to manage the current budget and take ownership of the annual budget setting process.

The role includes the operational management of the two South East Water tanks/tankers, including responsibility for their maintenance schedules and daily task assignments.

Main responsibilities:

Core Management & Leadership:

• Lead and develop the production team, including managing training, knowledge transfer, reviewing processes and procedures, and conducting performance appraisals.
• Manage operational budget and cost center accountability while setting performance targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Provide management support and expert guidance during incidents.

Operational Performance & Control:

• Oversee and maintain operational performance outcomes, focusing on site reliability, overall site performance, water quality control, resource management, site checks, and regulatory Discharges.
• Supervise, control, and ensure accountability for operational Health and Safety.

Reporting & Collaboration:

• Generate effective operational reports and presentations covering key activities, sickness/exceptions, and performance outcomes.
• Manage personnel performance against key indicators and measures.
• Provide inter-departmental and functional support to maintain smooth cross-team operations.

You'll need:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Good standard of secondary education and able to demonstrate a good standard of numeracy and literacy skills.
• Management qualification or able to demonstrate management course(s) completed.
• WAMITAB
• Ability to analyse operational data and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste and lower treatment costs while maintaining water quality.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication for internal reporting, conveying instructions and liaising with regulators.
• Experience in the water industry, either fresh water or wastewater management.
• Experience of team leadership/supervision.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

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We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That's why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package:

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

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What can you expect from your recruitment?

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website.
• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

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If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, apply now

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

£45,000

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person