Field Operations Specialist

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Kidlington, Reading; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water service provider is seeking a Field Operations Specialist responsible for field investigations into operational issues within their wastewater network. This hybrid role requires working 40% in the field and 60% in the office. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a clean UK driving licence. The position offers a salary of up to £45,000 per annum, 26 days of annual leave plus a comprehensive benefits package including a car allowance and pension scheme.

Benefits

Car allowance

26 days holiday per year, increasing with service

Generous Pension Scheme

Performance-related pay plan

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Strong background in customer service in the water industry preferred.
• A clean UK driving licence is required.
• Health and safety compliance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technical activities for minimal customer impact.
• Manage emergency works and contractor compliance.
• Deliver crisis management plans to minimize service interruptions.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Competent at using IT systems and office software

Exceptional communicator at all levels

Experience working with third-party contractors

Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills

Job description

Hybrid - Kidlington - OX5 1QT, Hybrid - Oxford STW - OX4 4YU, Hybrid - Reading (STW) - RG2 0RP

Job title Field Operations Specialist Ref 43323 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Hybrid - Kidlington - OX5 1QT, Hybrid - Oxford STW - OX4 4YU, Hybrid - Reading (STW) - RG2 0RP Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Hours 36 hours per week Salary Offering a salary of up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Job grade B Closing date 29/12/2025

We have an exciting opportunity at Thames Water to join us as a Field Operations Specialist.

As a Field Operations Specialist, your role will be to carry out field investigations into complex operational problems with our wastewater network, identifying solutions to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This is within a defined geographical area of the Thames Valley. This role will require you to be based 40% of the time in the field and 60% of the time in the office, so someone comfortable with both field-based and office/hybrid work is essential.

Base location:Kidlington - OX51QT, however, you will cover a wider area and drive between several different sites; therefore, you will need a full clean UK driving licence.

Working pattern:Hybrid – 36 Hours Per week, plus the inclusion on a standby rota for which you will receive additional payment.

What you will be doing as a Field Operations Specialist

• Coordinating complex planned and reactive technical activities to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimal customer impact.
• You will be the main point of contact for any emergency works required in your area and will be responsible for ensuring that contractors are working safely and in compliance with business procedures.
• Plan and collaborate with our delivery partners to deliver asset maintenance activity.
• Provide technical support to determine solutions to problems and ensure a robust, stable, and efficient network.
• Deliver event crisis management plans, minimising service interruptions and impact on Thames Water customers.
• Work alongside the field teams and customer solution centre to determine the cause of complex/difficult problems and find a suitable resolution.
• Contractor auditing, ensuring that all works are being completed to the Thames Water standards and in line with compliance and business requirements.
• Provide information on required maintenance and improvement, and assist with contingency planning.
• Reporting back to the business on the performance of your region, highlighting any high risks to the business.
• Promote a culture of health and safety as well as continuous improvements across your region.

What you should bring to the role

• Goodverbal and writtencommunication skills.
• Be fully competent at using IT systems and office software.
• Previous experience working within the Water Industry, ideally on wastewater networks, would be beneficial but not essential.
• Delivering customer excellence through network delivery.
• Have a zero-compromise approach to health and safety and must be persistent in your methods.
• Be an exceptional communicator at all levels of an organisation.
• Have previous experience working and managing the activities of third-party contractors.
• Be able to demonstrate good business/stakeholder awareness, together with an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving and strong teamwork and influencing skills.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary of up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Company Car allowance is provided.
• Annual Leave 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.