Drinking Water Compliance Manager
Salary: £55,000 per annum (DOE) | Company Benefits
Location: Walsall or Cambridge
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | 37 hours per week
About Us:
South Staffordshire Water operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water, and is a privately-owned regulated water only company.
South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly 1.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the North, to Halesowen in the South, and from Burton-on-Trent in the East, to Kinver in the West.
The Role:
As the Drinking Water Compliance Manager, you will lead a specialist team responsible for safeguarding public health and ensuring full compliance with water quality standards. You’ll oversee end-to-end monitoring strategies, lead responses to water quality incidents, and drive continuous improvement to enhance customer confidence.
This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll combine technical expertise with strategic influence representing the company across the industry while shaping the future of safe, high-quality drinking water.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and develop a high-performing water quality team, managing performance, development, and engagement
Ensure compliance with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and Information Direction 2020
Develop and deliver water quality monitoring and sampling programmes
Investigate incidents and regulatory breaches, ensuring effective resolution and learnings applied
Provide expert advice to operational teams to maintain safe, compliant water quality standards
Monitor performance metrics, driving continuous improvement and innovation
Oversee audits, policies, and hygiene practices to support public health protection
Act as the Company's lead representative with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), external regulators and industry groups, influencing best practice and shaping strategic responses to emerging water quality challenges.
Communicate key water quality updates and insights across the organisation
What You’ll Need:
Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Bacteriological Sciences)
Chartered status (or working towards)
Strong knowledge of water quality regulations, DWI guidance, and the Water Industry Act
Experience operating in a regulated utilities environment
Understanding of sampling, analytical methods, QA/QC, and UKAS standards
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills—particularly in incident scenarios
Familiarity with systems such as SCADA, GIS, and water quality databases
Full UK driving licence
What You’ll Get:
Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days
Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents
Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers
Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities
Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more
Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
At South Staffordshire Limited, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process.
Department
Water Specialist
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
37 hours per week
Salary
Up to £52,000 per annum (DOE)
Closing date for applications
31st August, 2026
REF-(phone number removed)
Salary description
£55000.00 - £55000.00 per year