Leats Team Manager
Permanent full-time 35000 - 37000 GBP per-year-salaryJob Overview
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We’re looking for a hands-on Leats Team Manager to lead and support our dedicated team responsible for maintaining the leats and canals that feed South West Water’s hydro and drinking water assets. This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership with practical fieldwork in a role that directly supports sustainable water management and hydro power generation.
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We’re looking for a hands-on Leats Team Manager to lead and support our dedicated team responsible for maintaining the leats and canals that feed South West Water’s hydro and drinking water assets. This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership with practical fieldwork in a role that directly supports sustainable water management and hydro power generation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Manage and motivate the SWW Leats Team, ensuring efficient maintenance of leats and canals.
- Actively participate in day-to-day operations alongside your team.
- Plan and schedule routine and complex works in collaboration with the Hydro Maintenance Manager and Process & Asset Optimisation Manager.
- Organise specialist plant and equipment through local suppliers for effective delivery.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety (Homesafe policy), water quality, and environmental objectives.
- Deliver maintenance programmes year-round to maximise water availability for hydro and drinking water.
- Manage resources, budgets, and requisitioning to optimise team performance.
- Liaise with landowners, the public, and organisations such as SW Lakes Trust and Dartmoor National Park Authority.
- Oversee abandoned mines in the operating area to ensure public safety.
- Work with biodiversity teams to address invasive species.
- Support business cases for capital investment and deputise for the Hydro Maintenance Manager when required.
What We're Looking For
- Qualifications & Training (Desirable):
- 5 GCSEs (including Maths, English, Science)
- NVQ Level 2 in general estates/building maintenance
- National Diploma in Countryside Management (or awareness)
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Experience:
- Proven experience managing and leading a successful team.
- Background in watercourse maintenance, building, and repair.
- Skilled in operating plant, equipment, and power tools.
- Comfortable working in a delivery-focused environment and using IT systems.
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong leadership and prioritisation skills.
- Knowledge of health & safety principles and environmental regulations.
- Ability to problem-solve and work methodically.
- Excellent communication and public liaison skills.
- Other Requirements:
- Full UK Driving Licence (including B & E for towing).
- Understanding of COSHH regulations and environmental impacts of maintenance work
- Flexible approach to working hours and conditions
What's In It For You
- At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility
- Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme
- We offer free car parking at the majority of our sites
- Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
- Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose
- Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes
- We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform
- Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
- Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Perkbox
- A range of group discounts: The Dell Advantage Programme, Virgin Media Affinity Scheme, Vodaphone Advantage and more
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- And plenty more!
Closing date 28th November
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.