Water Quality Manager

Location: City of Westminster

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Water Quality Manager / Water Quality Project Manager to lead Westminster City Council's water safety, water quality and Legionella compliance programme across our housing portfolio.

This is a senior compliance and project leadership role with strategic responsibility for water hygiene governance, contractor management, risk assurance and resident safety. Acting as the Council's lead specialist for water quality and Legionella management, you will provide expert leadership, develop robust compliance frameworks and oversee the delivery of major water infrastructure improvement projects.

You will play a critical role in ensuring Westminster maintains the highest standards of water safety, regulatory compliance and resident protection.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Water Safety Leadership
Lead the Council's approach to water quality, water hygiene and Legionella management.
Develop and maintain the Water Safety Management Plan.
Establish governance and assurance arrangements for water safety compliance.
Lead policy development and implementation.
Monitor legislative changes, guidance and industry best practice.
Responsible Person Duties
Act as Responsible Person (Water Hygiene) or support the Duty Holder in fulfilling statutory obligations.
Oversee Legionella risk assessments and ensure actions are completed within required timescales.
Maintain oversight of identified risks and remedial works.
Ensure monitoring, inspection, testing and sampling programmes are fully compliant.
Escalate significant risks and compliance failures appropriately.
Water Quality Project Management

Lead strategic programmes including:

Water quality improvement projects
Cold water storage tank replacement programmes
Booster set upgrades
Water treatment systems
Pipework replacement schemes
Legionella remedial works
Water infrastructure modernisation projects

You will also:

Develop business cases and investment plans.
Manage consultants, contractors and specialist advisors.
Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory requirements.
Compliance & Assurance
Implement compliance monitoring frameworks and KPI reporting.
Audit contractors and service providers.
Analyse water quality and compliance performance data.
Prepare reports for senior leaders and governance boards.
Maintain statutory records and evidence.
Training & Competency
Develop and deliver Responsible Person training programmes.
Maintain competency frameworks aligned with ACOP L8 and HSG
274.
Deliver awareness training across operational and housing teams.
Monitor training compliance and competency standards.
Contractor & Stakeholder Management
Manage specialist water hygiene contractors.
Monitor service performance and compliance.
Investigate non-compliance and drive corrective action.
Build strong relationships with residents, internal teams, consultants and regulatory bodies.
Resident Safety
Respond to water quality incidents and Legionella concerns.
Provide technical advice and guidance.
Lead resident engagement and communication initiatives.
Promote confidence in the Council's water safety arrangements.
What You'll Achieve

Success in this role will include:

Full compliance with ACOP L8 and HSG
274 requirements across the housing portfolio.
Effective governance and management of water safety risks.
Successful delivery of major water quality improvement programmes.
Reduced compliance risks and outstanding remedial actions.
A robust Responsible Person training framework.
Increased resident confidence in water safety management.
About You

You will be a highly organised and technically competent professional with significant experience in water hygiene, compliance management and project delivery.

Essential Experience
Managing water hygiene and Legionella compliance within residential or property portfolios.
Delivering repair, maintenance and compliance services.
Managing contractors, consultants and specialist service providers.
Working with residents and stakeholders to resolve complex issues.
Producing performance reports and analysing compliance data.
Investigating complaints and responding to service failures.
Working effectively under pressure and managing competing priorities.
Essential Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent stakeholder management skills.
Competent in Microsoft Office and compliance management systems.
Strong project and programme management skills.
Ability to interpret legislative and technical requirements.
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
Collaborative approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Essential
Degree (or equivalent) in:
Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Health
Water Engineering
Or a related discipline
Formal Legionella Responsible Person qualification.
Water Hygiene Management qualification.
Project Management qualification or equivalent experience.
Extensive knowledge of ACOP L8…