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.