This is a key role within our 24/7 control room, where you’ll help keep the water network running safely and smoothly in real time. As a Network Operator, you’ll be monitoring flows and pressures, responding to incidents, and working closely with field teams to make sure customers continue to receive a stable and reliable water supply.
What you’ll be doing as a Network Operator
- Monitoring and controlling the water distribution network using SCADA and telemetry systems to manage pressures, flows and customer supply.
- Responding to alarms, incidents and emerging issues, taking timely action to protect customers and assets.
- Working closely with field teams, issuing permits, managing isolations and coordinating operational activities.
- Triaging emergency customer supply issues, particularly during out-of-hours periods.
- Maintaining treated water storage levels and supporting overall network stability.
- Raising work orders, tracking faults through to resolution and escalating risks where needed.
- Keeping accurate logs, records and handovers to ensure smooth control room operations.
- Escalating unresolved risks in line with governance and emergency procedures.
Base location: Kemble Court, Reading
Working hours: office format, 24/7 rotating shift pattern, including nights, weekends and bank holidays
What you should bring to the role
- Ability to stay calm and make clear decisions in a fast-paced, real-time environment.
- Strong attention to detail and confidence in managing multiple priorities at once.
- A practical, risk-aware approach with a focus on delivering for customers.
- Clear communication skills, especially when working with field teams and stakeholders.
- Confidence using systems and working with operational data and alarms.
- Experience in utilities, water networks or a similar operational environment is helpful, but not essential.
- Comfortable working shifts and ideally holding a full UK driving licence.
What’s in it for you?
- This role will be paid from £32,715 up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)
Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Learn more about our purpose and values
Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.
We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
