Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

SES Water has a rich history of serving communities in the South East of England. Water plays an important role in our lives, which is why we’re committed to supplying our customers with access to 160 million litres of safe, reliable, clean water every day.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

We’re looking for a Water Process Operative to help operate and monitor our water treatment works, pumping stations and service reservoirs across a defined operational area.

You’ll work as part of a close‑knit team on a seven‑day shift pattern, including standby, overtime and occasional night work. This is a varied role with a blend of indoor and outdoor activities — no two days are the same. £28,000 - £34,000 base salary, plus shift allowance, standby and overtime
Total earnings potential: circa £45,000

What you’ll be doing:

Your responsibilities will include:

• Routine and emergency operation of water treatment processes including abstraction, filtration and disinfection

• Monitoring automated process systems via SCADA to ensure safe and efficient operation

• Taking water samples and carrying out analysis to meet internal and external compliance standards

• Managing water supply levels to meet customer demand across your operational area

• Diagnosing basic process plant faults, taking remedial action and escalating where required

• Ensuring compliance with all internal procedures and completing required documentation

• Liaising closely with colleagues and departments, particularly Water Quality, to resolve issues and optimise site performance

• Maintaining accurate records to meet regulatory and audit requirements

• Supporting M&E and Systems teams with planned and reactive maintenance activities

• Carrying out cleaning and housekeeping duties to maintain high site standards

What we are looking for:

To be successful as a Water Process Operative, you’ll have:

• Experience in a similar process‑driven or operational environment (water industry experience preferred)

• Experience working effectively as part of a team

• A strong focus on health & safety, compliance and process discipline

• A full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience within water, utilities or a regulated industry

• Mechanical, electrical or process knowledge

• Relevant technical qualifications (e.g. NVQ, BTEC or similar)

What's in it for you?

We’re committed to supporting your development and wellbeing, offering a comprehensive benefits package:

Financial wellbeing

• Employer pension contribution of up to 10%

• Life assurance

• Company bonus scheme

• Salary Finance – financial education, savings and loan options

• On‑site garage with service discount

• Free on‑site or local area parking

Personal wellbeing

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 27 days with length of service

• Healthcare cashback scheme and Surgical Choices

• Aqualibrium – on‑site Mental Health First Aiders and free annual health checks

• Confidential crisis support, counselling and legal advice

• One paid volunteering day per year

Closing Date: 30th April 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.