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.
Are you an experienced Operational Technology (OT), ICA or Automation professional looking for an opportunity to lead a skilled team while helping deliver critical services to millions of customers?
We're looking for an OT Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance, performance, resilience and security of our operational technology assets across water and wastewater treatment operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine technical expertise, people leadership and continuous improvement in a role that directly supports essential infrastructure across our region.
As OT Maintenance Manager, you'll lead a team of OT Maintenance Engineers, ICA Technicians and Maintenance Technicians, ensuring our operational technology and instrumentation assets remain reliable, secure and available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading and developing a high-performing team of OT and ICA professionals
Managing planned and reactive maintenance activities to maximise asset availability and performance
Building strong relationships with operational teams to understand priorities and site criticality
Driving the maintenance, reliability and optimisation of instrumentation, control and automation systems
Providing technical leadership and support on complex operational issues and incidents
Using data, trend analysis and root cause investigations to improve system reliability and inform investment decisions
Supporting OT governance, cyber security and compliance requirements
Ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing across your team
Managing budgets and contributing to operational and capital expenditure planning
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and the development of future OT capabilities
We're keen to hear from candidates with a strong background in industrial control systems, automation or ICA maintenance who are passionate about leadership and operational excellence.
Experience working with process control and electrical systems
Knowledge of PLCs, programming, industrial communications and instrumentation maintenance
Experience within drinking water, wastewater or similar industrial process environments
Understanding of risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work
Strong technical problem-solving and fault-finding capabilities
Experience leading teams and driving performance
Full UK driving licence
Eligible to successfully complete UK Security Clearance (SC)
Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English and a Science subject
Relevant industrial control, instrumentation, electrical or automation qualification/apprenticeship
ONC/HNC or equivalent in a related discipline
Compliance with current IEE regulations
IOSH or NEBOSH qualification
Supervisory or management qualification
Experience within Critical National Infrastructure environments
Previous ICA maintenance leadership experience
Experience managing telemetry, instrumentation and operational technology assets
This is an opportunity to play a vital role in maintaining and modernising critical infrastructure while leading a talented team of specialists. You'll have the opportunity to influence technology strategy, develop people, and help shape the future of operational technology across the business.
Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
Jobs need car
Discretionary bonus
Competitive contributory pension
Share-save scheme
Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
Group discounts
Cycle to Work scheme
Financial support services
Development and training opportunities
… and much more!
Closing Date: 4th September 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.
