Water Network Optimisation Manager

Join us in shaping the future of water supply. As our Water Network Optimisation Manager, you'll play a critical role in reducing leakage, minimising supply interruptions, and ensuring our customers receive the highest quality drinking water.

This is a strategic and operational leadership role, focused on turning long-term goals into actionable plans that deliver real-world results.  

What you'll do

You will develop, coordinate, and monitor short- to medium-term operational plans that support strategic targets, using performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and optimal resource deployment. 

You'll oversee the production of accurate and reliable leakage data, including managing aspects such as night use allowances and water balance components. 

As the primary steward of water network data, you'll define future data requirements, ensure robust data and field services provision, and maintain compliance with regulatory reporting standards and internal policies. 

You'll also work closely with the Water Networks Management team to anticipate operational needs, identify emerging risks, and implement proactive mitigation strategies. 

In this role, you will also: 

• develop and monitor operational plans, supporting leakage reduction targets, using performance metrics to guide continuous improvement 
• act as data steward for water networks by managing data requirements for flow, pressure and water quality, ensuring robust provision and compliance with internal and external standards 
• oversee leakage data production and validation across DMAs, trunk mains, and service reservoirs, including night use allowances and water balance components 
• lead leakage and water balance improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory expectations 
• enable strategic and operational insight by providing high-quality data and analysis to support decision-making, efficiency, and long-term planning for the water network 
• collaborate with Water Network Managers to anticipate needs, identify risks, and implement proactive mitigation strategies 
• support regulatory reporting by assisting in preparing and submitting accurate regulatory reports and performance returns. 

What you'll need

To succeed, you'll be a conscientious, focused professional with strong communication skills and attention to detail.

You'll also bring: 

• strong operational and/or technical management experience in the water sector 
• extensive experience in leakage reporting and Water Networks operations 
• the ability to think strategically and tactically, adapting to evolving situations 
• strong knowledge of water networks from source to tap, including hydraulics, reservoirs, leakage ops, R&M, and pressure control 
• a clear understanding of the regulatory framework and targets 
• proven experience managing water supply operational emergencies 
• a supportive leadership style that fosters innovation and autonomy 
• excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Knowledge of health and safety management procedures and ability to promote a strong safety culture 

What you'll receive 

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to 10 days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350-acre former airfield into an award-winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.