Water Programme Manager — Cumbria (Hybrid)

United Utilities; Penrith; Hybrid; AUD 123,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26 days

Pension up to 14%

Bonus 10.5%

Healthcare

Hybrid working

Job summary

United Utilities in the North West is seeking a talented Project Manager to join our Cumbria Project Team. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, consultants and contractors to deliver complex capital projects from feasibility to completion across treatment facilities, pumping stations and water networks.

Based in Penrith with hybrid working (roughly three days on-site), you will manage plans, schedules and budgets while engaging regulators, local authorities and communities to ensure safe,

Qualifications

• Recognised project management qualification such as APM or PRINCE2.
• Experience delivering complex capital projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting costs and ensuring value for money.
• Collaborative mindset across teams and organisations.
• Strong communication skills adaptable to audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of capital projects, ensuring safety, efficiency and high standards.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, local authorities and enviro organisations.
• Identify, assess and manage risks, issues and changes with governance in place.
• Support statutory approvals and compliance throughout the lifecycle.
• Promote a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture across activities.
• Provide clear updates to governance groups and senior stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Planning

Communication

Education

Project management certification (APM/Prince2)

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Help us create healthier and a stronger North West

We are seeking a talented Project Manager to join our Cumbria Project Team to help us deliver the AMP8 Water programme of work across the Cumbria Region.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders, driving the delivery of complex capital projects from feasibility through to completion. These projects encompass mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil engineering works across treatment facilities, pumping stations, water networks, and raw water catchment assets.

This is an exciting opportunity to manage a portfolio of projects from concept through to completion, working with colleagues, contractors, regulators and community stakeholders to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.

If you enjoy building relationships, solving complex challenges and leading projects that make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is based out of our Penrith office, with hybrid working (typically three days per week on site or in the office). The role will also involve travel to project sites across the region, so access to a vehicle is required.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Project Manager, you'll:

• Lead the successful delivery of a portfolio of capital projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Work closely with Project Engineers and multi-disciplinary teams to achieve programme objectives and maximise project benefits.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and reporting to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
• Build strong relationships with internal colleagues, delivery partners and external stakeholders including regulators, local authorities and environmental organisations.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks, issues and changes, ensuring appropriate controls and governance are in place.
• Support statutory approvals and compliance requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Actively promote a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture across all project activities.
• Provide clear updates to governance groups and senior stakeholders, helping to drive informed decision-making and successful outcomes.
  
  

What We're Looking For

We're interested in hearing from people who can demonstrate many of the following skills and experiences:

• Recognised Project Management qualification, APM, Prince etc .
• Experience delivering projects or programmes in a complex environment, balancing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Confidence to challenge constructively and support effective decision-making.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting costs and ensuring value for money.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work across teams, disciplines and organisations to achieve shared goals.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to different audiences.
  
  

Don't meet every requirement?

Research shows that some people can be reluctant to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you could make a positive contribution, we'd encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match every requirement.

Why join us?

At United Utilities, you'll be part of a team that's committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future for the North West.

In return, you'll receive:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years' service, plus bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined contribution).
• 10.5% performance-related bonus opportunity.
• Recognition awards for exceptional achievements.
• Company-funded healthcare scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
  
  

About United Utilities

Our mission is to deliver great water and more for the North West. We're committed to protecting the environment, supporting our communities and creating long-term value for customers, colleagues and the region we serve.

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Inclusive Top 50 Employers and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be their authentic selves.