Process Controller

Location: Rye Meads Sewage Treatment Works.

Shift Pattern: You will be working on a 12-hour rotating shift pattern, which includes both day and night shifts, providing 24/7 coverage.

Join our dedicated team as a Process Controller at Rye Meads, one of the largest and most important sewage treatment works on the Thames Water Site.

You will be responsible for the safe and efficient 24-hour operation of the site, using SCADA systems to monitor and control processes and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards. Working closely with Process Technicians, you will respond to operational issues, carry out high and low voltage switching, and play a key role in maintaining water quality and safety.

What will you be doing as a Process Controller

• Operate and control the sewage treatment plant and equipment 24/7 using SCADA.
• Carry out electrical switching operations.
• Monitor and report on process data to meet statutory and quality standards.
• Identify faults, coordinate first fixes, and escalate maintenance issues as needed.
• Manage isolations and issue Permits to Work, ensuring safe working practices.
• Assist with on-site capital projects and coordinate maintenance activities.
• Collect and analyse water samples to support compliance and quality control.
• Monitor stock levels and manage deliveries.
• Perform health, safety, and security checks, taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues’ safety.
• Undertake safety training, including confined space entry.

What should you bring to the role?

• Experience in wastewater process control and working with SCADA systems.
• Ability to work unsupervised on a 12-hour rotating shift pattern, which includes both day and night shifts.
• Team player with strong coordination and prioritisation skills.
• Relevant technical qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, ONC/OND, HNC/HND) or equivalent.
• Appointed Person for electrical work or willingness to complete training.
• Competent in company IT systems.
• Commitment to health & safety.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary up to £49,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• 24 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days with length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON with a maximum of 12% employer contribution. (2x employee contribution)
• Access to WeCare health & wellbeing services — including up to 10 specialist counselling sessions, 24/7 virtual GP, fitness programmes, and nutritionist support.
• Benefits on Tap — discounts, cashback, and instant vouchers.
• Generous Parental Leave: 4 weeks paid paternity leave plus optional 2 weeks unpaid; enhanced maternity leave with 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Ongoing performance development reviews to support your growth and career progression.
• Additional benefits include annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work scheme, 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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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's 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.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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.