Process Controller

Location:  Reading - Fobney - RG2 0SF  (with travel across multiple sites in the surrounding area)
Working Hours: 38 hours per week
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:36
Additional: Participation in a standby rota (with additional standby payments)

We are currently seeking a Process Controller to join our operations team in the Reading area. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring the production and delivery of millions of litres of clean water to our customers each day.

You will be part of a dedicated, sociable, and professional team committed to operational excellence and public service. Based in Reading, you will be required to travel between multiple sites across the wider area, so a full, clean UK driving licence is essential.

What will you be doing as a Process Controller
The successful candidate will be a key member of the area operations team and will deliver a high standard of work at our Water Treatment Works and Reservoirs. The role of the Process Controller reports to the Production Manager, along with other Process Technicians.

• Completion of scheduled planned work on plant and equipment in compliance with company standards and procedures to improve plant resilience.
• Responding to reactive work to maintain our operational output and the supply of clean water to our customers.
• Supporting internal and external stakeholders with large-scale planned work at our sites
• Support the training of apprentices within the area if needed.
• Promote a safe working environment through your actions and behaviours.
• Out-of-hours stand-by work on a rotational basis.
• The successful candidate will learn how to operate and optimise all processes and equipment in water treatment works to ensure water quality, compliance, safety and operational efficiency.

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A full, clean UK driving licence is required; a 5-tonne licence is considered beneficial, and training can be provided.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and safe working practices.
• Ability to make informed decisions under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• IT literacy with proficiency in using various systems and software.
• Interpersonal skills to establish relationships and rapport at all organisational levels.
• A Licence to Operate Water Production or an equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Adequate physical fitness, including the ability to work in confined spaces upon successful completion of relevant training.
• Please note: For health and safety reasons related to working with toxic gases, employees are required to be clean-shaven to ensure a proper seal when wearing respiratory protective equipment.

What’s in it for you!?

• Offering a salary up to £36,915 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Company van and a fuel card (company use only), PPE and tools are provided.
• Training around all aspects of the production and operation of our sites will be provided.
• We’ll support you in gaining valuable qualifications, including your ADR licence and 7.5-tonne driving licence.
• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Generous Paternity Leave: 4 weeks paid, plus an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
• Enhanced Maternity Leave: 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you 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.