Programme Manager

About us

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme

At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, the team, and your role.

The Role

Are you a highly experienced Project Manager or Programme Manager with a passion for creative problem-solving and transformational project delivery? Are you interested in making the North West greener and improving our communities? If so, you could be the perfect fit for our Rainwater Management team, within Wastewater Services. We are looking a Programme Manager to steer the way in our delivery of multiple programmes, most notably the Advanced WINEP; a £230m programme focussed on the delivery of Rainwater Management, Sustainable Drainage and Partnership solutions to reduce overflow impacts across the North West, but with a focus across Greater Manchester.

As a Programme Manager you will establish and lead relevant project teams and ensure the projects are delivered to the required outcomes (time, cost and quality).

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in the UK.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee Rainwater Management programmes, creating and managing project and overarching programme plans.
• Accountable for the direct delivery of multiple projects (of varying sizes), managing an annual budget of approximately £50m.
• Lead and mentor project professionals to ensure delivery meets Time, Cost, Quality index (TCQi) standards.
• Develop and maintain resource plans, ensuring the right combination of internal and external resources.
• Integrate projects and partnerships to maximise efficiency and minimise customer disruption.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards and provide regular updates to governance groups.
• Manage relationships with Design Partners and Supply Chain to ensure successful project delivery.
• Obtain necessary statutory approvals.
• Establish and manage a risk allocation process, actively managing risks and changes throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are designed and delivered safely, maximising efficiencies and achieving business objectives.
• Ensure all Construction, Design and Management (CDM) duties are discharged effectively

Skills & experience

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Extensive experience in construction Project/Programme Management with a proven track record in budget, resource, and business performance management.
• Expertise in delivering complex programmes within challenging timelines, balancing project priorities to ensure the successful delivery of programme benefits.
• Great leadership with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage relationships at all seniority levels through effective communication.
• Highly developed influencing skills, capable of managing a diverse customer base and constructively challenging actions/decisions
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond rapidly to unexpected events and develop creative solutions.
• Chartered Member of the Association of Project Management (or willingness to attain this status with company support).
• Passion to steer the way in delivering Rainwater Management solutions, enhancing communities and the natural environment.

Other

We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.

• Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues – Warrington only
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes