Project Manager CHP - Asset Maintenance

Closing Date

Job title: Project Manager CHP - Asset Maintenance

Location: South Coast- Hybrid Working Pattern (due to the site visit requirement, a driving licence is essential) 
Employment Type: Permanent 
Hours: 37 Hours a week 
Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on skills and experience. This role comes with a comprehensive benefits package including Simply health Plan, eligibility for a company bonus and much more!) 

There is the opportunity to earn more through standby arrangements. 

Unleash Your Expertise: Drive the Future of Sustainable Energy with Southern Water!

Are you ready to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping a greener future for our communities? Southern Water is seeking a dynamic and visionary Asset Maintenance – MEICA CHP Project Manager to lead our Combined Heat and Power (CHP) program within the Wastewater function. This is more than a maintenance role; it's an opportunity to drive the future of renewable energy and transforming the future of production.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll be empowered to independently manage your time and expertise, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation and maintenance of all CHP assets across Southern Water's extensive wastewater network in Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent. You'll directly contribute to our commitment to a net zero future, where sustainable practices are the cornerstone of our operations.

The impact that you will bring!

Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to:

• Driving Renewable Energy: Optimizing the performance of our 18 existing CHP engines (with more planned for AMP 8) to generate clean, sustainable energy from wastewater.
• Transforming Future Production: Implementing cutting-edge MEICA strategies and technologies to enhance the efficiency and productivity of our wastewater treatment process, moving us towards a truly circular economy.
• Shaping a Sustainable Legacy: Playing a crucial role in Southern Water's journey to becoming a leader in environmental stewardship, protecting natural resources, and providing essential services for generations to come

Your overall responsibilities will include:

· Provide regular reports and updates to the business on Combined Heat and Power (CHP) performance and energy generation metrics.

· Oversee the maintenance of a fleet of 18 CHPs, working collaboratively with multiple contract partners to ensure ongoing compliance and optimal energy generation. Deliver and manage a planned maintenance schedule.

· Participate in regular regional meetings with key internal and external stakeholders to align on performance, strategy, and operational priorities.

· Liaise with external contractors for site-related works, managing activities as required. Organise both High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) isolations for engine overhauls, Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) servicing, and alternator maintenance.

· Work closely with internal Southern Water departments, including the Energy team, to support shared objectives and initiatives.

· Conduct OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) camera surveys to detect fugitive emissions from biogas plants and associated equipment.

· Ensure adherence to safety processes and procedures within the operational area, promoting compliance with Southern Water’s Health and Safety standards across the team.

· Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera surveys are an increasingly important tool for detecting and visualizing fugitive emissions from biogas plants and equipment. These surveys play a crucial role in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of biogas facilities.

· Maintain awareness of ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 requirements within the operational area, ensuring alignment with Southern Water’s Environmental Management System.

To be successful in this role, you will have a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical principles (essential), along with a good working knowledge of health and safety regulations. While prior experience in wastewater processes is desirable, it is not mandatory.  You will have a good working knowledge of robust gas experience, encompassing both natural gas and, especially, biogas expertise. Being gas trained is crucial for safety, as your work will involve operating within DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) areas, particularly when conducting Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera surveys to identify and assess gas escapes.

You will be expected to act as a gas expert in this role, including the management and optimization of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) assets. A strong knowledge of electrical systems is also a significant advantage, though formal certification as a trained electrician is not a mandatory requirement. You will be a passionate leader with a strong proven track record in MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) and CHP, needed to optimise these critical assets.  

This is a dynamic and fast-paced role, where your ability to self-manage, lead, and collaborate with key stakeholders will be critical in maintaining asset health and supporting the business’s goals for operational efficiency and carbon reduction. 

With no two days the same, this role offers excellent opportunities for growth and development, supported by our dedicated internal Talent and Development team. 

Due to the nature of the role, you will be expected to manage operational events and incidents within your area, including out-of-hours responsibilities as required. 

This is a great opportunity to make a tangible difference in the environment, foster innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Join Southern Water, and together, a brighter tomorrow can be powered. 

Interested? Apply now via our careers site and take the next step in your professional journey.