Proactive Maintenance Manager

Closing Date

2026-11-27

Job Title: Proactive Maintenance Manager
Location: Kent, Sussex, Hampshire (& the Isle of Wight) - Hybrid working

Salary: up to £75,000 depending on experience

A transformation you can shape

At Southern Water, we're changing how we look after the assets that supply clean water to millions of customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We're moving from fixing things when they break to a proactive, predictive and intelligence-led approach, where our sensors and analytics tell us an asset is going to fail and we act before it does.

We're investing in online condition monitoring and predictive analytics, and we've already built an Asset Reliability team carrying out RCM reviews across our water supply works. This is one of the biggest maintenance transformations in the UK water sector, and you'll be at the heart of it.

The role

As our first Proactive Maintenance Manager, you'll design and build the framework that turns data into action. You'll take what we get from condition-based monitoring and predictive analytics, turn it into trusted information, and make sure it becomes the right intervention at the right time. You'll be building something new rather than inheriting a process:

• Shape the framework. Define how we capture, integrate and analyse asset data, and how we decide when to intervene.
• Connect the dots. Work with Digital, OT and data teams to link sensor platforms, telemetry and Maximo into one trusted flow.
• Make it real. Make sure predictive alerts become planned work orders, and that every outcome feeds back to make our models smarter.
• Prove the value. Show the failures avoided, costs saved and service protected, and report progress to senior leaders.
• Build the team. Defne how a team of engineers and reliability analysts and technicians adapt to new data, and bring our regional maintenance teams with you.

What you'll bring

• Experience leading condition-based or predictive maintenance in water, utilities, process or another asset-intensive industry.
• Strong grounding in reliability methods such as RCM, FMEA and RCA, plus practical knowledge of CBM techniques like vibration, ESA, thermography and oil analysis.
• Experience turning data into maintenance decisions, and an understanding of how SCADA, IIoT sensors, data platforms and CMMS fit together. Maximo is a bonus.
• The ability to lead change and explain technical insight clearly to engineers and executives alike.
• An engineering degree or equivalent experience. IEng or CEng, CMRP or vibration certification are welcome.

Why join us now

• Ground-floor opportunity. You'll set the standard for how predictive maintenance works across the company.
• Real backing. This role is central to our transformation plan and our ambition to provide the level of service our Customers deserve.
• Visible impact. Your work protects water supplies, customers and the environment.
• Growth. You'll build a capability, and reputation in one of the most in-demand areas of the industry.

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

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.

Welcome

Our purpose is big. Our impact is huge. And we know that every single one of us has the power, through our actions, to positively change society and the environment for good. It’s why careers with us have real meaning. Because, if you’re driven and ambitious, we can offer you huge opportunities for personal growth, professional development and constant innovation. Forever evolving. Forever focused on doing the right thing, we empower and encourage everyone to play to their strengths and to help us shape a fair and positive future for all. We believe in Water for Life. If you do too, Dive Right In.

We succeed together

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.

Need flexibility in your work?

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?