What are the responsibilities and job description for the Superintendent position at Foster Lawson?
Water & Wastewater Superintendent
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Superintendent to lead the operation and maintenance of our water and wastewater treatment assets. You’ll manage a team of operators and maintenance technicians and keep the treatment works, pumping stations and associated networks running safely and efficiently. You’ll also make sure we meet regulatory and environmental standards at all times. This is a hands-on leadership role covering daily operations, compliance, capital projects, budgets and stores.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of water and/or wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs and network assets
- Lead, schedule and develop a team of process operators and mechanical/electrical maintenance technicians, including shift and standby rotas
- Ensure compliance with drinking water quality standards, discharge and abstraction permits, and environmental and health and safety regulations. Keep accurate records and support audits and regulator inspections
- Monitor process performance and sampling results, and take corrective action quickly to prevent compliance failures or pollution incidents
- Lead the response to operational incidents such as plant failures, bursts, flooding and pollution events, including out-of-hours call-outs
- Deliver planned and preventive maintenance programmes, and use the CMMS to manage work orders and asset condition
- Work with contractors and engineering teams on capital schemes, plant upgrades and renovation projects, from planning through commissioning and handover
- Read and interpret P&IDs, site drawings and as-built plans to plan work and troubleshoot plant and network issues
- Manage the operational budget, track spend and give input on capex planning and asset investment priorities
- Control inventory of chemicals, spares, consumables and PPE so critical supplies are always on site
- Promote a strong safety culture, including permit-to-work, confined space entry, chemical handling and lone working procedures
- Report regularly to senior management on performance, compliance, risks and improvement opportunities
Qualifications
- Proven experience in water or wastewater operations or maintenance, including supervising a team
- Sound knowledge of treatment processes, pumping systems, SCADA/telemetry and process control
- Working understanding of water industry regulation, environmental permitting and health and safety requirements
- Experience managing budgets, inventory and contractors
- Strong time management, problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Full driving licence