Job Description

Closing Date

2026-11-27

Job Title: Bathing Water Investigation Team Lead

Location: Chatham, Kent (office/home/field)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: circa £45,000 depending on skills and experience

Bathing water quality can be affected by a range of factors, including leaking or damaged sewers, storm overflows, agricultural runoff, illegal connections, seabird and other animal waste, the incorrect disposal of waste, and other marine-related activities.

The Bathing Water Investigation Team Lead will coordinate the activities of the Bathing Water Investigation Team, a group of committed individuals with a range of wastewater industry knowledge. The team proactively investigates pollution incidents caused by household waste or flow from defective sewers entering the local environment vis the surface water drainage network

The primary purpose of the role is to oversee and coordinate the team's investigation programme, monitor progress against agreed plan, and ensure all activities are carried out safely and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.

The team covers the entire Southern Water region and is made up of sub teams covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent.

What you will be responsible for

• Co-ordinate the efforts for the Bathing Water Investigation team focusing on priority bathing water areas across the Kent coastline.
• Facilitate regular meetings with the Bathing Water investigation team to share business updates and best practice.
• Ensure Health & Safety policies are followed, and training requirements adhered to.
• Provide detailed investigation updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with our Bathing Water specialists and Data Analysts to prioritise key areas.
• Support the Bathing Water Project Manager with insight and delivery.
• Notify internal stakeholders of issues identified and key milestones to resolve

What you’ll bring to the role

• Previous experience of leading an operational team.
• Great communication skills and able to present to groups.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret data from an array of data sources.
• Competent use of systems including map reading.
• Can manage complex cases and see through to resolution.
• Work effectively in a team and with the confidence to operate independently and under own initiative.
• Practical skills, good technical knowledge of the wastewater industry.
• Problem solving & project management.
• Passion for the environment and for wanting to make a difference.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. 

"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference." 

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself) 

Our Commitment to Diversity 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Additional information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.  

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.  

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation. 

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