Head of Planning, Scheduling & Maintenence

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 charities, 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.

Are you looking for a leadership opportunity, working for a FTSE250 company.

Do you want to drive innovation and change to implement tangible improvements to our customers and our environment?

In this newly created senior leadership role, you will design and deliver the strategy of and be responsible for the operational planning, scheduling and maintenance activities, managing relevant budgetary, company, regulatory and customer service standards.

Based in Exeter, this is a full-time, permanent position offering an annual salary between £75,000 - £95,000 plus a company car, £5,000 relocation support and excellent benefits.

About the role:

You will directly manage the teams and suppliers providing these essential activities. You will be accountable for delivery of all work executed by our water and wastewater teams, through the efficiency planning and scheduling of our teams and contractors you will drive changes that improve efficiency and outperform targets

The maintenance activities carried out by your teams will ensure 100% asset availability, improve operating efficiency and support operations with a proactive approach to asset maintenance reducing the risk of asset failure and supporting the delivery of all SWBB’s key operational performance commitments.

• Developing and delivering operational maintenance strategies to ensuring assets are operating efficiently and supporting the delivery of operational outputs.
• Delivering 100% of all planned and reactive work on time and to quality.
• Taking accountability for delivering reactive and proactive maintenance, moving our approach to delivering planned and proactive maintenance activities.
• Delivering and outperforming Opex, Capex + Totex financial targets, and through the proactive approach to maintenance and workforce planning, driving operating efficiencies across our business.
• Directly own the relationships with the suppliers providing resource, materials and assets.
• Providing direction for the department and the leadership that motivates, inspires, and develops people to perform at their best, creating an environment that delivers on our commitment of being a Great Place to Work.
• Delivering results: you will meet all health and safety, financial, people, and operational performance measures required to deliver outstanding service to our operational business.

• Proven experience in an operational leadership position, with a background in running large operational teams, front line field activities or specific knowledge of planning/scheduling or maintenance activities.
• You will have proven experience of delivering successful change programme across a large operational workforce.
• You will be a great leader, with demonstrable experience of developing and motivating your teams through cultural change and inspiring others through your vision and strategy.
• Strong influencing skills, able to develop relationships and work with suppliers to delivering services for the business. Able to deliver change within a large operational business through your ability to foster great relationships with colleges.
• Action oriented with a proven track record of delivering results, driving change and focus on adding value to the customer.
• Commercial/contractual experience and track record of delivery through service providers
• Personal integrity and sound judgement.

• Generous annual leave allowance
• A company car or cash for car allowance
• A company bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Invest in Pennon through our employee Sharesave scheme
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, with an option to buy / sell leave offering you extra flexibility
• Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
• Shared parental leave
• Look after your wellbeing through 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, online retailer, travel, eating out, cinema, gyms and more through Perkbox

Closing Date: Sunday 18th February, 2024

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:

·       Trusted - We do the right thing for our customers and stakeholders.

·       Collaborative - We forge strong relationships working together to make a positive impact.

·       Responsible - We keep our promises to our customers, communities, and each other.

·       Progressive - We are always looking for new ways to improve and make life better.