Operational Planning Team Leader

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.
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced and motivated Operational Planning Team Leader to lead our Planning & Scheduling team, ensuring operational activities across our water network are planned, scheduled and delivered efficiently. You'll manage a team of Planning Specialists and Planning Assistants, coordinating network activities while balancing customer service, operational performance, compliance and resource optimisation.
Working closely with operational teams, contractors, local authorities and other stakeholders, you'll play a key role in developing and delivering robust work plans that support the safe and effective delivery of both planned and reactive network activities.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading and developing a team responsible for planning, scheduling and coordinating network activities.
Managing relationships with operational teams, delivery partners, local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure work is delivered efficiently and compliantly.
Driving performance through effective resource planning, workload prioritisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensuring compliance with street works legislation, company policies and operational standards.
Monitoring planning performance, mitigating risks and resolving issues to minimise disruption and maximise customer outcomes.
What We're Looking For
Strong planning, scheduling and operational coordination experience.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Ability to prioritise workloads and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of planning systems and operational processes, with experience of SAP, Street Manager and FFA being advantageous.
A customer-focused mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Why Join Bristol Water?
At Bristol Water, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day, and feel truly valued. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, finances and work-life balance.
Benefits Include:
From 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme
Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching
Life Assurance
Group Income Protection
Enhanced Family Leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
Free Flu Vaccinations
Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 support
Free On-Site Parking at our Head Office
Cycle to Work Scheme
Car Share Scheme
Subsidised On-Site Canteen
Give As You Earn Charity Scheme
Paid Volunteering Day
Retail Discounts offering savings on thousands of products and services
Closing Date:
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.

- Division
- Bristol Water
- Department
- Customer and Community
- Location
- Bristol
- Salary
- £42,000 - £48,288/year
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Bristol Water
Bristol Water has been proudly providing an essential public water service to the communities within and surrounding the city of Bristol since 1846.
We supply water to 500,000 homes and businesses across Bristol City, North Somerset and areas of Bath, North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. That's about 1.2m people who have access to our water every day!