Network Connections Investigator

Closing Date 20/04/2026 Job Title: Network Connections Investigator Location: Horsham, Sussex- Field‑based role. Full UK driving licence essential. Hybrid working: 4 days field‑based, remaining time working from home. Contract Type: Permanent Hours: 38 hours per week Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (with opportunity to earn additional payments through standby rota participation) About the role You will join a specialist team responsible for protecting the integrity of Southern Water’s network. The team investigates water network connections and delivers the Internal Audit Programme across our operational areas. This role focuses on identifying unauthorised or non‑compliant connections, including standpipe use, and completing statutory and operational audits. You will work closely with operational teams and contractors to improve compliance, safety, and performance across the network. What you will be responsible for: Investigating suspected unauthorised or non‑compliant connections to the water network, including standpipe use. Delivering planned and reactive audits, including health and safety, water hygiene, and compliance audits. Producing clear, evidence‑based reports that identify root causes, risks, and corrective actions. Applying sound investigative judgement when reviewing complex or sensitive cases. Supporting performance improvement through coaching, mentoring, and professional challenge. Additional requirements specific to the role: Coach and support teams and contractors to resolve findings and strengthen compliance. Identify trends, risks, and recurring issues to drive continuous improvement. Maintain accurate, auditable records in line with governance and safety standards. What you’ll bring to the role: Essential Experience in regulatory, compliance, or operational investigations, ideally within utilities or infrastructure. Strong understanding of water network operations, including illegal connections and standpipe use. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess evidence and interpret complex information. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across operational areas. Desirable Confident communication and influencing skills, including coaching operational teams and contractors. Experience producing clear, structured reports for operational and governance audiences. Knowledge of relevant legislation, industry standards, and audit frameworks relating to water quality, safety, and compliance. Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025–30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in how water services are managed. We understand that great talent comes in many forms. If this role excites you and you share our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our communities, please apply—even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every requirement. We’ll support your growth and development. If this role isn’t quite right but you’d like to hear about future opportunities, you can register here: Introduce Yourself – Southern Water (Workday) Our Commitment to Diversity We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. Additional information In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, a criminal record check (DBS), and verification of employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw an offer if these checks are not successfully completed. Our purpose is big. Our impact is huge. And we know that every single one of us has the power, through our actions, to positively change society and the environment for good. It’s why careers with us have real meaning. Because, if you’re driven and ambitious, we can offer you huge opportunities for personal growth, professional development and constant innovation. Forever evolving. Forever focused on doing the right thing, we empower and encourage everyone to play to their strengths and to help us shape a fair and positive future for all. We believe in Water for Life. If you do too, Dive Right In. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That’s why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position. Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

Salary : $35,000