Operations Team Leader

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Scottish Water for an enthusiastic, customer-focused professional to lead our North Process Science team in the role of Operations Team Leader.

As Operations Team Leader, you will support the teams in delivering first class results within the Wastewater Business Improvement Team for Scottish Water.

Reporting directly to the Business Improvement Team Manager, you will manage a team of process scientists and graduates across the North and East of Scotland, delivering improvements that protect our environment. The team are critical to the compliance of Scottish Water’s wastewater assets and integral to achieving our strategic ambitions.

You will make sure we exceed our compliance and regulatory requirements – all in the name of great water quality and environmental benefit. You will lead the team on their root‑cause analysis and problem solving of issues at our wastewater assets. You and your team will also analyse our data to provide insights and learning opportunities as well as identifying potential efficiencies, change initiatives or innovations to drive continual improvement.

You will be working closely with our Wastewater Operational teams to understand risks, asset performance and process needs, whilst moving toward a more digitised, proactive environment in managing risk.

• You’ll be accountable for delivering improvements that continue to improve and protect Scottish Water assets, compliance and reputation, whilst also supporting net zero and service excellence deliverables.
• Delivering various business wide change initiatives that improve knowledge in the arena of wastewater science.
• Identifying key risk areas, highlighting business critical enhancement activities and accurately reporting evidence in a clear and informative manner.
• Support operational teams with the development and delivery of Process Science’s Continuous Improvement Strategy in line with lean management tools.
• Working closely with our Wastewater Operational teams to understand risks, compliance and process needs whilst demonstrating a pragmatic and business focused approach.
• Development of strategies and process improvements to support people development, and improvements across Wastewater Operations and Wastewater Strategy.
• Work with Wastewater and other stakeholders to drive behavioural change.
• Support development of the Process Science/Wastewater Brand.

We’re looking for someone with a degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in an environmental, scientific, engineering or related field. You’ll bring around five years’ experience in wastewater and process operations, with a strong understanding of treatment processes, regulations and compliance standards. Leading and coordinating teams comes naturally to you, and you know how to deliver safety, quality and efficiency targets.

You’re passionate about continuous improvement and enjoy coaching others. You’re confident using digital tools and data to identify opportunities and improve performance. Communication is one of your strengths, and you have an eye for detail with the ability to develop innovative and analytical strategies. You’ve delivered change before and made a visible impact.

Managing multiple work streams doesn’t faze you, and you’re comfortable leading transformation projects. You’re a team player who motivates and enables others in a fast‑changing environment. Building partnerships and strong networks is something you do well, and you have experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with regulatory bodies.

You’re confident presenting ideas and have experience operating in compliance‑driven environments with tight deadlines. You understand Health & Safety legislation and have strong IT skills, including Power BI.

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work‑life balance.

You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year. And you can even buy five more if you need a little…