Head of Network Services

Overview

As Head of Network Services, you lead the operational network across Yorkshire to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality water services. You’ll manage Field Operations, Distribution Maintenance, Metering and Contracts, driving operational excellence, resilience, and customer-focused outcomes. This strategic leadership role partners with regulators, contractors, and support teams to balance safety, performance and financial sustainability. You’ll shape new ways of working, foster an inclusive culture, and push continuous improvement to future-proof the water network.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary up to 120,000 per annum
• car lease or car allowance (675 per month)
• EV salary sacrifice option after 6 months
• executive bonus plan (EBP)
• private health care (self and partner)
• pension scheme up to 12% company contribution

• Lead operational network teams (Field Operations, Distribution Maintenance, Metering, Operational Contracts) to ensure reliable water service
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the network
• Shape ways of working to balance customer needs, safety, environmental responsibilities and financial sustainability
• Collaborate with Asset Management, Water Production, Leakage Operations and business support teams to deliver customer outcomes
• Build and maintain relationships with regulators, contractors, suppliers and industry partners
• Inspire and develop teams, fostering innovation and an inclusive culture
• Lead large-scale transformation and change programmes within the network
• Participate in senior leadership discussions as part of the Water Service Delivery Leadership Team
• Support agile decision-making and ensure resilient network performance
• Balance operational performance with risk management and regulatory compliance

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent industry experience
• Significant experience in the water industry or a similarly regulated environment
• Proven record of leading large operational teams and delivering results through others
• Collaborative leadership style that empowers people
• Strong experience in strategic planning, business planning and budget management
• Experience leading large-scale transformation or continuous improvement programmes
• Track record of achieving business goals and performance targets
• Ability to balance operational performance, customer outcomes and business risk
• Experience delivering complex programmes or change initiatives
• Strong stakeholder management with a wide range of audiences
• Experience working with Trade Unions at a strategic level and influencing change
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High personal standards, integrity and professionalism
• Good understanding of regulatory environment (Ofwat, DWI, EA)
• Passion for safer, smarter and more efficient ways of working

• collaborative leadership
• stakeholder management
• communication
• knowledge of water network assets and performance measures
• experience with asset performance indicators and operational resilience
• experience working with contractors and outsourced partners