Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

At Bristol Water, we’ve been serving generations of families since 1846. Ensuring people in our communities have access to healthy water is paramount, which is why we work around the clock testing our water hundreds of times a day.

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.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Water Quality Manager to join us on a 12‑month maternity cover basis, leading our water quality function across the Bristol Water operating region.

This is a critical leadership role where you’ll ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water from source to tap, protecting public health while driving continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.

You’ll play a key part in shaping and delivering our water quality strategy, leading a high-performing team, and building strong relationships with regulators and stakeholders.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and develop the Water Quality function, including Water Regulations

• Ensure compliance with all drinking water quality standards and regulatory requirements

• Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership across water quality activities

• Champion a Drinking Water Safety Planning (DWSP) approach

• Investigate and report on water quality incidents and risks

• Build strong relationships with regulators, public health bodies, and industry groups

• Shape and deliver short-, medium-, and long-term water quality strategies

• Contribute to investment decisions to mitigate emerging risks and improve performance

• Support water quality aspects of operational changes and new schemes

• Provide expert advice during incidents and out-of-hours situations

• Lead, coach, and empower a high-performing technical team

What we're looking for:

Experience

• Significant experience in water quality, environmental science, or related technical discipline

• Strong background in regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement

• Proven leadership experience managing technical or scientific teams

• Experience operating within a regulated environment

• Track record of delivering change, continuous improvement, and team development

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree (or higher) in a relevant scientific discipline

• Strong understanding of water quality legislation, treatment, and distribution

• Excellent communication, influencing, and analytical skills

• Logical, evidence-based approach to problem solving

• Full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Chartered status (or working towards) or membership of relevant bodies (e.g. CIWEM, IWA, RSC)

What's in it for you:

We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave + bank holidays

• Bonus Plan

• Company car or cash for car allowance

• 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: 3rd June 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.