Budget & Governance Lead

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Competitive pension up to 14%

Performance bonus up to 7.5%

Healthcare plan

EVolve Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

Flexible benefits

Job summary

United Utilities in Warrington is seeking an experienced risk professional to lead governance of risk across programmes and delivery activities, ensuring a consistent framework.

You will support budget planning, forecasting and investment prioritisation, and provide analysis to inform decisions on risk escalations and changing priorities. You'll build relationships with finance, strategy, operations and analytics teams to deliver a holistic view of risk and performance.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified, or equivalent experience, in a mathematical, statistical, economic or related analytical discipline.
• Experience with governance, investment prioritisation, cost‑benefit analysis or predictive modelling is advantageous.
• Strong ability to create high‑quality reports, presentations and dashboards translating data into business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead management, assessment and governance of risk across programmes and delivery activities.
• Support budget planning, forecasting and investment prioritisation with alignment to targets.
• Provide insight and analysis to support decision‑making on risk escalations and priorities.
• Monitor and report on programme risks, costs and benefits with clear governance tracking.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Reporting & dashboards

Education

Degree in mathematics / statistics / economics or related analytical field

Tools

Excel

SAP

P6

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Salary - 50,290
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours -

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great 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 value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

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

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution."

Benefits:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Virtual GP
• Salary Finance
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

What You Will Be Doing:

• Lead the management, assessment and governance of risk across programmes and delivery activities, ensuring a consistent and effective framework.
• Support budget planning, forecasting and investment prioritisation, aligning risk-related initiatives with business objectives and affordability targets.
• Provide insight and analysis to support decision‑making on risk escalations, emerging risks and changing business priorities.
• Monitor and report on programme risks, costs and benefits, maintaining clear tracking, governance and budget allocation processes.
• Ensure projects have well‑defined requirements, strong data quality and compliance with established risk and validation frameworks.
• Build strong relationships across finance, strategy, operations and analytical teams to deliver a holistic view of risk and business performance.

What We Are Looking For:

• Strong analytical and data management skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and deliver clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage and influence colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, solve problems effectively and work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience creating high‑quality reports, presentations and dashboards that translate complex data into meaningful business outcomes.
• Degree-qualified, or equivalent experience, in a mathematical, statistical, economic or related analytical discipline.
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, SAP, P6 and the Microsoft Office Suite; experience in governance, investment prioritisation, cost‑benefit analysis or predictive modelling would be advantageous.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.