Operations Engineer – Water Networks

As part of the operations team, this role will ensure that operational, maintenance, construction methods and assurance inspections are undertaken that allows ESPUG to adopt, operate and maintain water, wastewater and utility networks in a safe, compliant and efficient manner.

ESPUG’s success will be dependent on the continued relationships that we have with our customers, developers, contractors and service providers for the construction, maintenance and operation of our water, wastewater and utility assets.

The Operations Engineer will have responsibilities that support the Head of Water, Operations Team Manager and Head of Network Operations for operational matters associated with the day to day running of the Water and other Utility Services business. This will be achieved in conjunction other members of the team who provide specialist knowledge.

Role Purpose

The primary objective for this role is to manage and oversee day to day activities relating to the construction, operation and maintenance of the ESPUG’s water, wastewater and utility networks, ensuring that Industry and ESPUG standards are complied with.

Building close relationships with ESPUG’s portfolio of SLP partners and developers to ensure quality of construction and service provision are of the highest standard. To be achieved through completion of company and individual competency checks and asset inspection, whilst taking the lead within the operations team to ensure that any non-conformance reports (NCR’s) are effectively resolved.

Support Head of Water and Networks with the integration of water activities into the wider ESPUG business through undertaking upskill and training with all Operations Engineers to increase knowledge and competence with water construction, inspection and adoption processes.

Provide support to ESPUG business with new NAV submissions to Ofwat, by acting as project lead for construction related matters where, as volumes increase to ensure that all submissions are appointed within developer/customer timescales.

ESPW along with other ESP group companies, adopts assets from construction partners and developers across all regions of England and Wales.

The successful candidate is likely to be home based but will require regular visits to sites that are either adopted or in-construction.

Key Responsibilities

The following key responsibilities apply to the role(s):

Support the business and operations team ensuring water, wastewater and utility assets are constructed in line with ESPUG’s specification and operational policies and procedures.
Offer technical support during the onboarding of new customers and ensuring that existing customers have required competencies and accreditations through in-depth knowledge of Lloyds WIRS scheme and similar for NERS and GIRS where possible.
Ensuring that Customers and Service Providers are safe, competent, accredited and regularly audited against ESP Policy & Procedures and industry guidance.
Regularly briefing Customers on changing water, (and where possible electricity and gas) industry construction requirements and ESP Policies and Procedures through demonstration of in-depth operational experience.
Engaging in regular technical and compliance discussions with Customers to support delivery of safe, compliant and efficient networks.
Undertaking inspection of assets under construction, pre and post commissioning (including any pre-construction activities as required) to ensure that safe, compliant and efficient networks are adopted by ESP.
Support the ESP Water Company Controller under the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) CRMC requirements and authorise all SLP commissioning requests through liaison with water quality colleagues.
Assist in developing ESP asset maintenance programme (Water), and that Service Providers produce a safe, compliant and efficient service.
Provide support to customers during the construction and adoption that provide value engineering solutions of water networks that support the safe, efficient, and compliant, construction, operation and maintenance in accordance with ESP’s standards, industry standards and legislation.
Complete water regulations fittings inspection to ensure safe drinking water quality for consumers and to meet ESPUG’s regulatory obligations.
Support and assist in the development and implementation of training programmes to Operations Engineer colleagues, supporting them to become competent in completing standard water and wastewater inspections (with support from experienced colleagues) to support ESPUG adopt safe and compliant waste networks.
Support ESPUG programme coordinators with technical expertise, SLP, developer and water company liaison with the timely and efficient submission of Ofwat NAV applications
Undertake interventions where required with incumbent water companies that release or resolve any delays with the associated design or construction of NAV bulk connection works
Undertake training to become competent in completing standard gas asset and electricity inspections with support from experienced colleagues) to support ESPUG adopt safe and compliant gas networks.
Participate in the OOH standby rota across all fuels

Key Skills

Significant experience in the water and/or waste-water distribution sector with specific knowledge of design, delivery, installation, operation and maintenance.
Experience gained within the preferably within the context of a water company Developer Services role or within a self-lay provider (SLP) or Developer would be advantageous
Knowledge of the selection and procurement of materials to be used in the construction of water and/or waste-water distribution networks, and the selection and management of contractors and construction partners.
Excellent relationship management skills across the business, with customers, consumers and service providers and be able to influence behaviours and outcomes.