Thames Water
Beckton Barking IG11 0AD, UK
Job title Construction Manager Ref 43504
Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery
Location Beckton - IG11 0AD
Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary Competitive salary from £60,000 to £79,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Job grade C Closing date 24/02/2026
Are you an experienced construction professional with a background in wastewater—or do you come from another sector with highly transferable skills such as utilities, energy, transport, highways, rail, oil & gas, power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or large‑scale infrastructure?
Thames Water has an exciting opportunity for you!
We’re looking for a Construction Manager to help deliver some of the largest and most complex infrastructure programmes in the UK. Whether you’re already working within wastewater or you bring expertise from another safety‑critical or infrastructure‑driven environment, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact. In this role, you’ll champion construction excellence, safeguard the performance and resilience of our assets, and ensure projects are delivered safely, sustainably, and to the highest standards.
If you thrive on leading teams, tackling technical challenges, and maintaining exceptional quality in fast‑moving project environments, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing as a Construction Manager
Providing expert technical oversight of wastewater treatment processes to ensure construction activities protect the day‑to‑day operations of our treatment plants.
Ensuring full compliance with environmental requirements throughout asset design and delivery, monitoring contractor performance and driving continuous improvement.
Managing consultant specialists and SMEs to deliver robust construction assurance across all wastewater projects in your portfolio.
Collaborating closely with Asset Management, Engineering, and Operations to align solutions, share lessons learned, and ensure consistent design and delivery outcomes.
Supporting contractor and consultant assessment, selection, and appointment processes.
Leading the Operational Integration team to ensure project deliverables are clearly defined, achievable, and fully agreed upon by all stakeholders.
Verifying and approving key project documentation, including Project Delivery Plans, Commissioning Plans, and test plans.
You’ll be based at an office within the East London catchment, primarily supporting Beckton and Crossness STW , with travel expected across the wider Thames Water region.
This role requires 4 days per week on-site , depending on project demands.
36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
This role includes a £5,800 annual car allowance .
What you should bring to the role
An engineering degree or equivalent experience in a similar construction or engineering position.
Strong technical understanding of wastewater treatment works design, construction, and operations—or substantial experience in another complex process environment.
The capability to undertake detailed technical reviews of project information.
NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate.
Knowledge of performance and quality management principles.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary from £60,000 to £79,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
Annual Bonus.
Private Medical Health Care.
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 Wate r
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.
Job title Construction Manager Ref 43504
Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery
Location Beckton - IG11 0AD
Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary Competitive salary from £60,000 to £79,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Job grade C Closing date 24/02/2026
Are you an experienced construction professional with a background in wastewater—or do you come from another sector with highly transferable skills such as utilities, energy, transport, highways, rail, oil & gas, power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or large‑scale infrastructure?
Thames Water has an exciting opportunity for you!
We’re looking for a Construction Manager to help deliver some of the largest and most complex infrastructure programmes in the UK. Whether you’re already working within wastewater or you bring expertise from another safety‑critical or infrastructure‑driven environment, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact. In this role, you’ll champion construction excellence, safeguard the performance and resilience of our assets, and ensure projects are delivered safely, sustainably, and to the highest standards.
If you thrive on leading teams, tackling technical challenges, and maintaining exceptional quality in fast‑moving project environments, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing as a Construction Manager
Providing expert technical oversight of wastewater treatment processes to ensure construction activities protect the day‑to‑day operations of our treatment plants.
Ensuring full compliance with environmental requirements throughout asset design and delivery, monitoring contractor performance and driving continuous improvement.
Managing consultant specialists and SMEs to deliver robust construction assurance across all wastewater projects in your portfolio.
Collaborating closely with Asset Management, Engineering, and Operations to align solutions, share lessons learned, and ensure consistent design and delivery outcomes.
Supporting contractor and consultant assessment, selection, and appointment processes.
Leading the Operational Integration team to ensure project deliverables are clearly defined, achievable, and fully agreed upon by all stakeholders.
Verifying and approving key project documentation, including Project Delivery Plans, Commissioning Plans, and test plans.
You’ll be based at an office within the East London catchment, primarily supporting Beckton and Crossness STW , with travel expected across the wider Thames Water region.
This role requires 4 days per week on-site , depending on project demands.
36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
This role includes a £5,800 annual car allowance .
What you should bring to the role
An engineering degree or equivalent experience in a similar construction or engineering position.
Strong technical understanding of wastewater treatment works design, construction, and operations—or substantial experience in another complex process environment.
The capability to undertake detailed technical reviews of project information.
NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate.
Knowledge of performance and quality management principles.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary from £60,000 to £79,000 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
This role will come with a car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
Annual Bonus.
Private Medical Health Care.
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 Wate r
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.
Thames Water
Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor who will work on a portfolio of projects under the supervision of a Senior Quantity Surveyor to ensure that value for money is achieved alongside contractual compliance. You could have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects ranging in contractor value from £25k to £200M during your career at Thames Water.
What you’ll be doing as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Supporting with the Commercial Assurance of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
Challenge and agreement of small-value project Tenders.
Ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the Contract for your given portfolio of Projects.
Assessing Variations under the relevant Contracts on assigned portfolio.
Attending site meetings on site.
Data collecting the relevant Contracts on assigned portfolio.
Auditing and agreeing on Project Accounts.
Base Location: Reading – Hybrid
Working Pattern or hours: 36 hours
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
Practical Work Experience.
Hold a degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
Have the desire to work towards gaining Chartered Status.
Some knowledge of water regulation. (incl. OFWAT Price Review methodology)
Be good at building and maintaining relationships.
Have good communication skills.
Hold a full UK Driving license and have your own transport.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary from £30,000 to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 30 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.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor who will work on a portfolio of projects under the supervision of a Senior Quantity Surveyor to ensure that value for money is achieved alongside contractual compliance. You could have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects ranging in contractor value from £25k to £200M during your career at Thames Water.
What you’ll be doing as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Supporting with the Commercial Assurance of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
Challenge and agreement of small-value project Tenders.
Ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the Contract for your given portfolio of Projects.
Assessing Variations under the relevant Contracts on assigned portfolio.
Attending site meetings on site.
Data collecting the relevant Contracts on assigned portfolio.
Auditing and agreeing on Project Accounts.
Base Location: Reading – Hybrid
Working Pattern or hours: 36 hours
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
Practical Work Experience.
Hold a degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
Have the desire to work towards gaining Chartered Status.
Some knowledge of water regulation. (incl. OFWAT Price Review methodology)
Be good at building and maintaining relationships.
Have good communication skills.
Hold a full UK Driving license and have your own transport.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary from £30,000 to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 30 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.
Thames Water
Hybrid - Reading, Berkshire RG1 8DB, UK and Maple Lodge (STW) - WD3 9SQ
We are thrilled to offer a Principal Quantity Surveyor an extraordinary opportunity to lead a dedicated team of Quantity Surveyors essential to supporting the successful delivery of Major Projects and Programmes in AMP8 at Thames Water. You will oversee a contractor programme value of up to £200m per annum in AMP8, playing a vital role in helping us delivery life’s essential service to Customers.
What you’ll be doing as a Principal Quantity Surveyor
Providing Commercial Assurance of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
Providing Contractual advice and guidance to the delivery teams.
Ensure cost management against the budget, highlighting commercial challenges early, including managing and reporting on contingency/risk.
Management and development of Team Members, including their progression towards chartership.
Accountable for ensuring that the Team carry out the following:
Challenging and agreeing on Project Tenders.
Ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the Contract.
Assessing the Quantum of Change and/or Extension of Time.
Data Collection of Projects.
Auditing and agreeing on Project Accounts.
Ensuring that appropriate processes are in place and monitored for your Delivery Area to ensure that Contractual Compliance is maintained and act as first point of escalation should any non-performance be identified and corrective actions implemented as necessary.
Supporting procurement by ensuring Suppliers and Contractors are engaged under the most appropriate Terms & Conditions.
Provide commercial support during the procurement of the contracts, including assisting in preparing tender documents.
Ensure we always maintain financial governance and provide expert input to financial and contract governance proposals.
Advising and supporting the management and optimisation of budgets and spending on the portfolio of Projects.
Supporting the Principal and Managing Quantity Surveyor with the resolution of Claims as necessary.
Base Location: Reading – Hybrid. Maple Lodge – Hybrid
Working Pattern or hours: 36 Hours
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
Hold a degree or a master’s in quantity surveying or equivalent.
Have a background in working in the civil engineering sector, such as transportation, nuclear, utilities or similar fields.
Be competent in line managing a small team and developing them to success.
Experience in both pre & post contract quantity surveying duties.
Strong Communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as well as the ability to bring numerous stakeholders together to bring opportunities to fruition.
Self-starter, resilient and tenacious under pressure.
What’s in it for you?
You will be a part of a highly professional Quantity Surveying team empowered to make decisions and responsible for all commercial aspects of their contracts.
Competitive salary from £76,000 to £86,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
Car Allowance.
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
Private Medical Health Care.
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 Wate r
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'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.
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.
We are thrilled to offer a Principal Quantity Surveyor an extraordinary opportunity to lead a dedicated team of Quantity Surveyors essential to supporting the successful delivery of Major Projects and Programmes in AMP8 at Thames Water. You will oversee a contractor programme value of up to £200m per annum in AMP8, playing a vital role in helping us delivery life’s essential service to Customers.
What you’ll be doing as a Principal Quantity Surveyor
Providing Commercial Assurance of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
Providing Contractual advice and guidance to the delivery teams.
Ensure cost management against the budget, highlighting commercial challenges early, including managing and reporting on contingency/risk.
Management and development of Team Members, including their progression towards chartership.
Accountable for ensuring that the Team carry out the following:
Challenging and agreeing on Project Tenders.
Ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the Contract.
Assessing the Quantum of Change and/or Extension of Time.
Data Collection of Projects.
Auditing and agreeing on Project Accounts.
Ensuring that appropriate processes are in place and monitored for your Delivery Area to ensure that Contractual Compliance is maintained and act as first point of escalation should any non-performance be identified and corrective actions implemented as necessary.
Supporting procurement by ensuring Suppliers and Contractors are engaged under the most appropriate Terms & Conditions.
Provide commercial support during the procurement of the contracts, including assisting in preparing tender documents.
Ensure we always maintain financial governance and provide expert input to financial and contract governance proposals.
Advising and supporting the management and optimisation of budgets and spending on the portfolio of Projects.
Supporting the Principal and Managing Quantity Surveyor with the resolution of Claims as necessary.
Base Location: Reading – Hybrid. Maple Lodge – Hybrid
Working Pattern or hours: 36 Hours
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
Hold a degree or a master’s in quantity surveying or equivalent.
Have a background in working in the civil engineering sector, such as transportation, nuclear, utilities or similar fields.
Be competent in line managing a small team and developing them to success.
Experience in both pre & post contract quantity surveying duties.
Strong Communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as well as the ability to bring numerous stakeholders together to bring opportunities to fruition.
Self-starter, resilient and tenacious under pressure.
What’s in it for you?
You will be a part of a highly professional Quantity Surveying team empowered to make decisions and responsible for all commercial aspects of their contracts.
Competitive salary from £76,000 to £86,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
Car Allowance.
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
Private Medical Health Care.
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 Wate r
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'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.
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.