Control Room Operator

We’re looking for a Controller to play a key role in shaping the future of our wastewater control operations and supporting our transition to an integrated, intelligent control room. As part of our drive for innovation and resilience, we’re redesigning our regional control system, including a major SCADA upgrade, and evolving from functional to whole-system operation. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of that transformation: understanding all the control room tools to inform and advise upgrade projects. Support improved visualisation of complex systems, help reduce flooding and pollution risks across the Thames Water region.

What you’ll be doing as a Controller
Working within the Wastewater Control team to explore, define, and implement the future of control room operations. Help design new ways of working, develop system visualisations, and support the integration of smart tools and data into a single, intuitive control environment.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Learning and leveraging multiple business and control room tools (e.g. SCADA, SMART Tools, GIS).
• Supporting the upgrade of SCADA by defining user requirements and ensuring alignment with future control room needs.
• Producing system drawings and schematics that integrate data from various sources to improve visibility of wastewater catchments.
• Defining user requirements for future control room systems and support the development of a “single pane of glass” solution.
• Commissioning and operating a test catchment control desk to trial new approaches.
• Engaging with control teams to understand current practices and introduce the concept of integrated, catchment-based control.
• Supporting operations through improved understanding of sewage treatment works and hydraulic systems.
• Identifying and delivering process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and system performance.
• Occasionally stepping into control room roles to gain insight and validate system needs.

Location: Kemble Court, Reading, RG2 6AD
Working hours: Monday – Friday 09:00-17:00
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract/secondment

What you should bring to the role
We’re looking for someone who’s excited by change, curious about systems, and eager to make a difference. You’ll need to be a strong communicator, a fast learner, and comfortable working with both people and technology.

To be successful, you’ll need:

• A strong desire to support transformational change in wastewater operations.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning multiple control room and business systems to unlock key insights.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with everyone from front-line staff to senior managers.
• Competence with IT systems, including Excel, Word, email, and databases.
• A willingness to learn and adopt new systems and technologies, and to support their implementation.
• A proactive, organised, and methodical approach to work.
• Experience in identifying and delivering process improvements that enhance operational efficiency.
• Ideally, a basic understanding of hydraulic systems and process plant operations.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £40,000 per annum.
• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan up to 10% of salary.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks
Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.