Closing Date

Job Title: Asset Engineer                                 

Location: Falmer (Hybrid Working)                             

Salary: around £50,000 (depending on experience)

Job Summary:

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly motivated Asset Engineer will support the development of high-level Asset Planning solutions for our Bioresources programme that align with our long-term strategy, focusing on managing risk for least cost. Reporting to the Programme Planning Manager, they will assist in monitoring asset health (age, condition) and performance, collecting and organizing data for analysis, and maintaining accurate asset data. This role involves supporting cost estimation efforts (e.g., gathering quotes, inputting data) and assisting with on-site testing and analysis, including visiting sites to gather essential information on asset condition and performance. They will also contribute to the development and briefing of a prioritised programme of work, helping with initial investigations, modelling, studies, and cost-benefit analysis to identify the most cost-effective options. Furthermore, they will support the identification and scoping of solutions and benefits, considering delivery, operational, and maintenance costs, as well as engineering and alternative options. This role also includes providing essential support for risk quantification and contributing to relevant reports (e.g., drafting sections, compiling data).

Responsibilities:

1. Diagnose and Resolve Asset Risks 

Conduct or review root cause analyses to address existing asset performance and risk issues, while proactively identifying emerging risks and performance trends. Support the recommendation and implementation of remedial and preventative actions to ensure optimal asset function, minimal disruption to operations and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. 

2. Develop and Evaluate Cost-Effective Solutions 

Support the scoping and development of interventions through optioneering and cost-benefit analysis to identify best-value solutions aligned with long-term strategy. Recommend evidence-based, affordable interventions considering risk, performance, criticality, and cost.

3. Integrate and Prioritise Strategic Plans 

Support the assessment of how proposed solutions align with medium- and long-term plans, providing input to the team to aid prioritisation. Assist in the development of integrated system plans across asset groups, sites and regions to deliver targeted benefits.

4. Collaborate, Coordinate, and Continuously Improve 

Help assess how proposed solutions fit with our medium- and long-term plans and share your findings to support prioritisation. Work with the team to help develop integrated system plans across asset groups, sites and regions to deliver clear, targeted benefits.  

For approved capital delivery interventions, support the handover of all necessary documentation-alongside a credible reference solution-to the relevant teams, and assist during the design process to help ensure the identified benefits remain viable. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent communication and verbal and written reasoning skills

• Strategic and analytical thinker

• A flexible analytic approach that allows for results at varying levels of precision

• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills, including relationship management

Knowledge:
Technical 

• Competent IT skills, including MS Office/SAP/GIS 

• Knowledge of asset planning tools, including scenario planning and deterioration modelling 

• Knowledge of wastewater processes, sludge treatment and energy from waste 

• Knowledge of process modelling tools

Experience  

• Substantial  post qualification experience in an engineering design environment 

• Extensive experience of feasibility, design and construction

• Experience in supervising or managing staff 

• Experience in asset management functions, ideally also within project delivery and operations roles to provide a rounded experience 

• Evidence of innovative approaches to problem solving 

• Commercial acumen and project costing experience

• Understanding and appreciation of risk within a highly regulated environment and its implications

• Ideally, experience of operating within a heavily regulated industry, balancing the needs of different stakeholders (i.e. regulators, customers, shareholders) and the delivery of business performance 

Qualifications:

Essential 

• Degree, ideally in an engineering or science discipline or equivalent level of experience 

• A full driving licence is required 

Desirable 

• Professional qualification (e.g. chartered engineer status)

• Professional accreditation (for example, Member of Institute of Asset Management, Member of Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management), or equivalent levels of experience

This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week.  

Southern Water operate a hybrid approach to working between our office locations and home. We are offering a salary of around £50,000 depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance-related bonus

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

• 25 days annual leave

• Life assurance equal to 4x salary

• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)

• Health Cash Plan

• Full funded eye tests

• Two paid volunteering days a year

• Occupational health service

• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

• Digital GP service

• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications

• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options

• Cycle to work scheme

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose.

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