Closing Date

2024-11-03

Job Title: RTS Engineering Manager

Location: Hampshire, Sussex or Kent

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours a week

There has never been a better time to join our organisation as we build towards a greener future, tackling climate change, minimising our environmental impact, and reducing our carbon footprint!

This is a rare opportunity to join us just before AMP8 where you will be able to influence and put ‘your stamp’ on the decisions on technical solutions that will move Southern Water and the water industry as a whole into the future, tackling issues to create Water For Life in the region.

An opportunity to work with some of the latest technology in the market to improve and change the way we do things here at Southern Water. Joining now, will mean growing with the team – providing opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview

When you join us as an Engineering Manager, you will initially work on the completion of our AMP7 projects, then as we move into AMP8 in April 2025, you will start to look at the strategy and the future of the hardware and software that we use for our control systems here at Southern Water.

In this role, you will support the RTS Delivery Manager with the delivery and commissioning of CAPEX funded & Obsolescence / Standardisation OT projects.

You will be responsible for the technical standardisation of solutions and ensuring successful deployment of standards in end-to-end OT automation projects, which will include direct line management as well as working with third parties.

On a day to day basis, you will be:

Providing technical Project Management & Delivery Services for multiple CAPEX funded projects and the Obsolescence & Standardisation strategy including Developing comprehensive project plans, outlining tasks, timelines, and resource requirements for OT Automation projects. Executing project plans efficiently, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints while maintaining the highest quality standards. Responsible for technical delivery of the RTS schemes including PLC/SCADA/Telemetry/HMI replacement projects through collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, IT, operations, and external vendors, to align project objectives with organisational goals. Building and managing the internal engineering team and services for effective delivery of targets and goals. Acting as a liaison between different departments to facilitate effective communication and seamless project execution. Representing the RTS team regarding technical solution appraisals to achieve overall strategy goals and ambitions. Identifying potential risks and challenges associated with OT automation projects and developing strategies to mitigate them. Proactively addressing issues as they arise, ensuring minimal impact on project timelines and deliverables and most importantly onsite process and service. Creating innovative solutions which create financial & performance efficiencies in order to beat the project’s budget and achieve business ODI’s. Keeping up to date with current technology advancements and seeking opportunities to leverage in a structured manner to meet the needs of the business. Developing training programs for end-users and internal teams to ensure smooth integration and adoption of automated systems. Facilitating knowledge transfer sessions to empower teams with the skills required to maintain and troubleshoot automation solutions. Ensuring all internal systems, standards and requirements are met in project delivery to SWS. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by conducting post-project evaluations to identify areas for enhancement. Implementing lessons learned from previous projects to refine processes and methodologies for future initiatives. Be a key member of the RTS Team to support strategy and make a difference.

About You

You will be an experienced Engineering Professional with a deep understanding of utility systems and a proven track record in successfully implementing automation solutions and developing technical standards as well as having led large teams.

You will ideally understand the water industry, however experience of working in any industry where there are control systems will be acceptable, such as oil & gas, energy, utilities etc.

When you start in this role, you will bring a passion for change and an enthusiasm to start new projects with gusto! You will embrace change management and the challenges that come with it and motivate your team towards the future vision.

Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyse and understand complex and inter-dependant project plans in a thorough, logical way. Depth of knowledge of automation technologies relevant to Utility systems. Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLCs, Control Networks, and other control systems. Understanding of the software development life cycle for automation projects. Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks. Skilled in developing contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges. Ability to align project objectives with financial constraints and organisational goals. Highly flexible approach and engaging personal style. Strong stakeholder engagement skills Strong leadership skills to motivate and guide project teams: a team player with a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Ability to inspire confidence and lead by example. Highly logical and analytical approach with excellent planning skills and the ability to work to deadlines and under pressure. Strong written and verbal communication skills Credibility: capable of relating to programme and project managers across differing business functions at a senior level, challenging them, and exerting significant influence at a programme and individual project level. An ability to remain positive, with a ‘can do’ attitude and ability to find pragmatic solutions to challenges. Ability to build engineering standards with governance systems applied to Industrial Control Systems.

Knowledge

Extensive PLC and SCADA systems knowledge and experience. Strong RTU and telemetry systems knowledge and experience. Sound IT skills: particularly MS office applications including Excel and Microsoft Project Good understanding of the principles of Wastewater, Clean water, and Sludge Treatment Processes Must understand the legislative / regulatory requirements associated with H&S, regulatory compliance, and waste management. Must be aware of SW’s statutory obligations, levels of service to customers and how new initiatives will impact on core services.

Experience

Substantial relevant experience in a process or industrial environment. Proven technical, commercial awareness. Proven track record in project management and engineering within the utility sector. Solid and demonstrable experience of successful project delivery across several project domains and environments e.g. procurement, IT, organisational change

Qualifications

Mandatory: Engineering Degree level qualification or equivalent experience

Desirable: IET CEng or equivalent experience / Proven Project Management experience technical level

Dimensions

Direct reports:

RTS Commissioning Engineers / RTS Engineering Team / RTS Telemetry Team

Indirect reports

All contractors carrying out CAPEX funded work on projects the post holder is involved with.

Budgetary information

Budget control that will impact on delivery of CAPEX funded work.

Package

This role will be full time, Monday to Friday where you will spend 1 to 3 days a week out on site (as required) across the Hampshire/ Sussex/ Kent region and the other days at home.

Benefits include:

• Company vehicle and travel expenses

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

• 25 days annual leave

• Life assurance equal to 4x salary

• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)

• Health Cash Plan

• Full funded eye tests

• Two paid volunteering days a year

• Occupational health service

• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

• Digital GP service

• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications

• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options

• Cycle to work scheme

Join our Digital team and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers and the environment.

Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com)

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That’s why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position.

Privacy Statement:

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.

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