Performance Improvement Manager

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

SES Water has a rich history of serving communities in the South East of England. Water plays an important role in our lives, which is why we’re committed to supplying our customers with access to 160 million litres of safe, reliable, clean water every day.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

About the Role

As Performance Improvement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across SES Water’s Production function. Reporting to the Head of Production, you will lead business improvement initiatives, strengthen governance and performance management processes, and provide specialist support that enables the Production team to deliver safe, reliable, efficient and continuously improving operations.

Working closely with Production Managers, Maintenance, Finance, Water Quality, Asset Management and Capital Delivery teams, you will identify opportunities to improve productivity, planning, financial control, project delivery and performance reporting. As a trusted partner to the Head of Production, you will ensure departmental priorities are coordinated, tracked and delivered, helping to create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead business process improvement activity across the Production function.

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, KPIs and management reporting.

• Coordinate and manage departmental action plans, ensuring actions are progressed and delivered.

• Support Production Managers to improve productivity, planning, governance and operational performance.

• Drive improvements in the interface between Production and Maintenance teams.

• Identify and deliver opportunities for cost control, efficiency improvements and financial performance.

• Lead and support operational improvement projects and change initiatives.

• Facilitate governance forums, performance reviews and leadership routines.

• Use performance data and trend analysis to provide insight, challenge and recommendations.

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to deliver business-wide improvement objectives.

• Support compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards across the business.

What We’re Looking ForEssential Experience

• Significant experience in operational performance improvement, business process improvement, project delivery or operational management support.

• Experience using performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.

• Experience developing dashboards, action trackers and performance reporting tools.

• Experience influencing change and driving improvements without direct line management authority.

• Experience working collaboratively across operational, technical and support functions.

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams simultaneously.

• Strong understanding of performance management, governance and continuous improvement.

• Ability to translate complex issues into practical and achievable solutions.

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including reporting and data analysis.

Desirable

• Experience within water, utilities, infrastructure or other regulated industries.

• Lean, continuous improvement or project management qualifications.

• Knowledge of maintenance planning, operational productivity and management systems.

• Experience supporting budget reporting, cost control or benefits tracking.

Location

This is a predominantly site-based hybrid role requiring regular travel across the SES Water operational region. A visible presence across operational sites and stakeholder teams is essential to success in the role.

Why Join SES Water?

At SES Water, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day and feel genuinely valued. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, finances and work-life balance.

Our Benefits Include

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service

• Holiday buy and sell scheme

• Company bonus scheme

• Competitive pension scheme with company contribution matching

• Life assurance

• Enhanced family leave provisions

• Share save and share matching schemes

• Health cash plan

• Free annual flu vaccination

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support

• Free on-site parking at Head Office

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Car share scheme

• Give As You Earn charity scheme

• One paid volunteering day each year

• Access to a wide range of retail discounts and offers

Closing Date: 13th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You – We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.