Leadership Development Manager

United Utilities; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK seeks a Leadership & Talent Development Manager to design and deliver innovative leadership programmes. The role requires driving performance excellence and building a talent pipeline. Candidates should have coaching experience, strong data skills, and a relevant degree. This position offers competitive salary, hybrid working, and a culture fostering diversity and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pension scheme

Annual performance-related bonus

Up to 30 days' holiday

Private healthcare and wellbeing benefits

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Proven experience driving cultural change through performance management transformation.
• A strong background in designing and delivering leadership development within complex organisations.
• Confident and credible with the ability to build relationships with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Craft and deliver cutting edge leadership programmes tailored to the needs of the business.
• Lead the transformation of performance management to foster a high performance culture.
• Identify, nurture, and grow future leaders through innovative talent management strategies.

Skills

Coaching expertise

Strong data literacy with advanced Excel skills

Exceptional facilitation skills

Deep knowledge of talent management

Proven experience in cultural change

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification (CIPD, ILM Level 7)

Tools

Psychometric tools (Insights Discovery, MBTI, Hogan)

Job description

Drive the future of leadership at United Utilities.

Are you ready to shape a high-performance culture where leadership excellence and talent development are at the heart of success? United Utilities is searching for a passionate, forward-thinking Leadership & Talent Development Manager design and deliver transformative leadership and talent programmes. This is your chance to influence how we develop our senior leaders, identify emerging talent, and embed a culture of continuous performance improvement.

What You'll Be Leading

• Inspire and Develop Leaders: Craft and deliver cutting edge leadership programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of our business and its future.
• Champion Performance Excellence: Lead the transformation of our performance management approach to foster a culture where high performance thrives.
• Build Tomorrow's Talent Pipeline: Identify, nurture, and grow future leaders through innovative talent management and succession planning strategies.
• Using Data Insights: Driving our strategy through data insight and reporting.
• Embed Leadership Frameworks: Be the driving force behind our leadership and behavioural frameworks, turning concepts into real change across the organisation.
• Collaborate with Experts: Manage partnerships with external providers to ensure cost effective leadership development solutions.
• Empower Managers: Provide line managers with the tools, coaching, and insights they need to develop and retain talent.
• Deliver Engaging Learning Experiences: Curate a modern, blended leadership curriculum using virtual and face-to-face methods that resonate with today's leaders.
• Stakeholder Management: be able to present and execute your strategy up to executive level.

About You

• A relevant degree or professional qualification (CIPD, ILM Level 7 or equivalent)
• Proven experience driving cultural change through performance management transformation
• A strong background in designing and delivering leadership development within complex organisations
• Coaching expertise, including qualifications and practical experience
• Deep knowledge of talent management, mentoring schemes, and succession planning
• Skilled in using psychometric tools like Insights Discovery, MBTI, or Hogan
• Strong data literacy with advanced Excel skills and experience manipulating and showcasing data to senior stakeholders
• Exceptional facilitation skills you don't just train, you inspire and engage
• Strong commercial focus, with the creativity to deliver impactful solutions even with tight budgets
• Confident, credible, and influential, able to build strong relationships with senior leaders and external partners

What We Offer

You'll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company that puts people and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. At United Utilities, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme (21% combined)
• Annual performance-related bonus up to 10.5%
• 26 days' holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• A wide range of private healthcare and wellbeing benefits
• Hybrid working model: typically 2-3 days per week in the office with the flexibility to work around you

Why United Utilities

At United Utilities, you won't just fill a role you'll own the future of leadership development. You'll be part of a company dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and high performance, where your skills will be valued and your ideas celebrated.

Ready to Lead?

If you're a dynamic, strategic thinker with the gravitas to succeed and a passion for developing others, we want to hear from you. Help us build a leadership culture that drives United Utilities forward apply today!

We're more than just water. We're a purpose driven organisation committed to sustainability, innovation, and the communities we serve. Join us and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. Whether you join a team that shares your vision or connect with colleagues across our networks, you'll find a welcoming and supportive organisation ready to help you thrive.