Shift Controller

Closing Date

2026-10-20

Job Title: Shift Controller
Location: Durrington (Sussex)
Contract Type: Perm
Hours: 38
Salary: From £30,843 + 15% Shift Allowance

About the role:

We are looking for people that enjoy problem solving, analysing and work proactively using your own initiative. The role is office based and suitable candidates ideally have confidence in working with multiple IT systems and telephone skills.

As a controller you will be based at our Durrington office, working a 6-week rotational shift pattern working a range of 12-hour shifts which include:
 

• 3 days on, 3 days of Standby 4 days off,
• 4 days on, 2 days standby and 5 days off, 
• 1 day of standby, 3 nights on and 6 days off, 
• 1 day of standby 4 nights on 7 days off. 

Standby cover is for a full 24 hours and you can be requested to work for a 12 hour day shift, or 12 hour night shift.

The role comes with an attractive salary from £30,843 per year depending on skills and experience plus a 15% shift allowance and standby payments. A comprehensive benefits package including company related bonus, healthcare and pension

What you will be responsible for:

This role focuses on monitoring and controlling our Sewage Treatment Works and Sewage Pumping Stations, ensuring that alarm data is meticulously analysed, and resources are promptly mobilized when assets underperform.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing continuous monitoring and control, ensuring our sewage treatment works and pumping stations operate efficiently.

By analysing data from control systems, you will coordinate with schedulers to facilitate rapid responses to alarms and alerts.

Your duties will include providing accurate, timely, and concise information to Southern Water, service providers, contractors, and other stakeholders, adhering to company standards and statutory requirements.

• Alarm Management: Maintain vigilance over alarm systems, ensuring prompt and appropriate responses to any alerts. Effective alarm management is critical in preventing service disruptions and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Resource Coordination: Allocate tasks to relevant teams, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining regular communication to facilitate effective response to operational issues.
• Information Dissemination: Ensure the delivery of precise and timely information to all stakeholders, maintaining transparency and clear communication lines.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to health, safety, and welfare requirements, prioritizing the well-being of all team members and the public.
• Training and Systems: Engage in training programs and comply with all system requirements, including the ‘License to Control’ development programme. Staying updated on the latest protocols and procedures is crucial for maintaining operational excellence.
• Team Integration: Collaborate effectively within the team, adapting to the dynamic environment and supporting team members to meet operational demands.
• System Access: Utilize various Southern Water systems to proactively manage and escalate issues. This includes integrating data on asset conditions, alarms, and weather to inform operational responses, ensuring a comprehensive approach to system management.

What you’ll bring to the role:

Essential:

· Advanced IT skills, particularly in MS office applications.

Desirable:

· Wastewater Treatment Processes.

· Understanding of the organisation’s environmental obligations and performance commitments.

· Understanding of WW operational environment.

· Understanding and awareness of customer impact.

· Understanding of Environmental Regulations.

· Advanced skills in relevant SW systems such as PRISM, CIM, Workday, Maximo & Waterworx.

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

"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."

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.

Southern Water

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.