Closing Date 15/05/2026 Job Title: Spills Intelligence Lead Location: Falmer Job Type: Permanent Hours: 37 hours per week Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience) About the role At Southern Water, we’re committed to protecting and improving the environment for future generations. Data plays a critical role in how we understand, manage, and reduce the impact of wastewater spills and we’re strengthening our capability in this area. As a Spills Intelligence Lead, you’ll combine analytical expertise with investigative thinking to ensure the accurate and timely verification of spill events. Your work directly supports our operational teams, enhances public transparency through real‑time updates, and helps shape the predictive insights that will drive long‑term environmental improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong data analytics experience who wants to apply their skills to meaningful, real‑world environmental challenges. What you’ll be doing Data Verification & Reporting Validate and verify spill events using multiple data sources to support accurate and compliant 24‑hour regulatory reporting. Provide timely and reliable updates to the public via our Rivers and Seas Watch platform. Data Quality & Insight Improve and maintain our internal data profiles and systems to strengthen automation and data integrity. Use analytical tools and statistical techniques to identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks. Investigation & Problem‑Solving Conduct structured root‑cause investigations to understand drivers of spill events and recommend improvements. Support environmental protection and operational planning through high‑quality analysis and insight. Collaboration & Representation Work closely with internal stakeholders, including operational teams, communications, and compliance. Assist with media queries and explain data findings clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences. Represent Southern Water’s approach at industry events and forums. What you’ll bring Essential A naturally curious, analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving skills. Proven experience working with data analytics, data science, or similar technical disciplines. Confidence in interpreting complex datasets and communicating insights clearly. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work at pace in a fast‑moving environment. Experience conducting structured root‑cause investigations. Degree‑level education in an environmental, scientific, technical, or data‑related field (or equivalent experience). Desirable Proficiency with tools such as ASPIRE, PRISM, PI, or similar data systems, plus strong MS Office skills. Knowledge of predictive analytics, statistical modelling, or machine‑learning techniques. Understanding of wastewater operations or environmental regulatory frameworks. 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 the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation "At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need." If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself) 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 during 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, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation. 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?
