Operations Administrator (Business Support)

The Operations Administrator plays a pivotal role in supporting daily operations across multiple teams, ensuring smooth, efficient, and well‑coordinated workflows.

This role is responsible for generating and maintaining a range of operational and performance reports, managing the purchase order process, and resolving invoice queries to support accurate financial tracking.

What you’ll be doing as an Operations Administrator:

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to Waste Network Operations and Pumping teams.
• Create, update, and distribute operational and performance reports for managers and field teams.
• Support H&S reporting by gathering information, updating internal systems, tracking actions, and submitting reports in line with company procedures.
• Raise purchase orders for parts, materials, H&S equipment, and team clothing in line with procurement processes.
• Track and chase outstanding orders with the Buying Team and external suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Resolve invoice queries by liaising with Finance and suppliers to ensure accurate and timely financial processing.
• Manage the ordering and replenishment of operational stock, specialist parts, and consumables.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, deliveries, and stock status to support operational readiness.
• Support managers with compiling data, scheduling activities, and handling general operational administration.
• Assist with coordinating equipment needs for technicians and engineers across multiple teams.
• Act as a key communication link between field teams, managers, the Buying Team, Finance, and suppliers.
• Ensure all procurement and administrative activities comply with organisational and Health & Safety requirements.
• Proactively identify delays, issues, or risks in the ordering and invoicing process and escalate where required.

Base location: Hybrid - Crossness (STW) - SE2 9AQ

Working pattern or hours: 36 Hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Please note this role is for maternity cover for 13-18 months on a fixed term contract. 

What you should bring to the role?

• Be fully competent at using IT systems and Office software to analyse and manipulate data (especially Excel). Proficient in the use of Office 365 applications.
• Highly organised and motivated.
• A team player and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to consistently produce work of a high standard with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - able to communicate in a friendly, open and constructive manner with a range of people.
• Be a tenacious, organised, adaptable and resilient individual with the ability to work with confidence in a challenging and reactive environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a starting salary from £27,780 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• 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.