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Job Title: Strategic Network EngineerLocation: Horsham, Sussex (flexible on location)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: From £38,400 depending on skills and experience


About the role:


To facilitate and review distribution activities in the County area to include assisting the Field Performance Managers with planning of projects and day to day support activity in relation to team of inspectors and covering the Field Performance Managers in any absence.


What you will be responsible for:


This role will involve ownership/accountability of Network Diversion Schemes, DG2 (Lead), ITS Wash Up Actions, Compliance audit actions and reviewing trends, Network Inspector training escalations and general Network Connection queries working closely with the DS & ETS teams.


You will be required to be on a standby rota.


*Plan, organise and execute Diversion Schemes to the distribution system so that disruption to the customer is minimised.
*Ensure that all SLA’s regarding Developer Services workstreams and so any GSS risk is mitigated so to not impact the D-Mex score negatively.
*Ensure that guaranteed Standards pertaining to DG2 are achieved and maintained and that the procedures in place are strictly always adhered to.
*Continuously review all relevant processes to see if new best practises are captured. Working alongside the Regulations & Compliance Team and the Continuous Improvement Team
*Ensure that all changes by inspectors to the Network are recorded and passed to the relevant system owners for update (i.e. GIS, Arc GIS/Geo Map etc), to ensure that details shown on all systems are current
*Working with the Compliance and Regulations team as well as the Water First training team to collate learnings from audits and training sessions so FPM’s & OAM’s can act on emerging trends and or support any performance related concerns with Network Inspectors
*Encourage the County Team to promote Network risks in various forums, build a basic evidence requirement with the County Team that is built on key data streams (ODI linked impacts)


What you’ll bring to the role:


Essential:
*A full, UK Driving Licence Relevant
*Operational experience
*Basic knowledge of Water regulations
*Understanding of basic management skills


Business Skills:
*Must understand specialised and detailed knowledge of complex distribution systems.
*Must have knowledge of company policies and procedures relevant to distribution function.


Personal and Interpersonal Skills:
*Must be a good communicator.
*Must have drive and enthusiasm.
*Good organisational skills.
*Can represent the Company to the public.
*Able to work out of hours and participate in a standby rota.


Leadership and Management:
*Needs to lead from the front and make decisions.
*Be flexible to adapt to the needs of the team when covering the FPM role.


Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.


You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation


"Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!"


Our Commitment to Diversity


We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.


Additional information:


In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.


Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including security vetting.


Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment.


Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.