Operational Transformation Lead

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Operational Transformation Lead to drive key projects that enhance operational efficiency within Water and Wastewater Services. The successful candidate will manage complex project delivery and engage with stakeholders to ensure successful change outcomes. A strong background in project management and excellent communication skills are essential, alongside a degree or equivalent experience.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days

Competitive pension scheme

Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness benefits

Mental health support

Enhanced parental leave schemes

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex projects in regulated environments.
• Strong influencing skills to communicate across all levels.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and identify solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement transformation project plans.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to drive successful outcomes.
• Manage stakeholder engagement through change governance processes.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Change Management

Education

Degree level or equivalent experience

APM or equivalent project/change management qualification

Job description

Job number UU02941 Country United Kingdom Region Cheshire West and Chester Location name Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP Posting End Date 13/06/2025 Band 4a Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary Competitive Salary

About us

Salary - Competitive Salary
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 - 37.0 Hours per Week

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.

• 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 10.5% 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
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

We are looking for an Operational Transformation Lead to deliver operational change projects across United Utilities. We are looking for an agile communicator who can work across all levels of the organisation.

• To be responsible for the development and implementation of transformation project plans working hand in hand with operational leaders to support successful delivery of in AMP benefits and change outcomes
• To align and shape transformation activity in support of the development and delivery of an operational change programme within Water or Wastewater Services
• To support development and delivery of a comprehensive AMP readiness plan and associated deliverables for Water or Wastewater Services

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Works as part of a matrix team with Business Leads, SME’s, Senior Leaders to identify change requirements, develop robust change plans and then manages delivery of change to support successful implementation of in AMP benefits and change outcomes.
• Works with the Operational Transformation Manager and business area Senior Leadership team to develop change roadmaps that are then translated into clear project delivery plans.
• Supports the join up of transformation projects working with the Operational Transformation Manager to give a view of what will be delivered across water and wastewater services, and whether required outcomes will be achieved.
• Ensures that the impacts of change are clearly understood at each stage of development and plans to address are incorporated into the wider business transformation programmes
• Is responsible for the implementation and management of change governance processes.
• Responsible for ensuring that key stakeholders are fully engaged in the development and delivery of the transformation plan for their area.

Technical Skills & Experience

• A successful track record and experience of managing and delivering complex projects to time, cost and quality using a variety of delivery methods, tools and techniques in a regulated environment.
• Strong influencing skills and able to communicate with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Resilience and drive to ensure successful delivery of a plan of activities.
• Experience of applying different project management methods tools and techniques to deliver customer outcomes.
• Effective stakeholder management skills demonstrated at a variety of levels.
• Is comfortable working in a changing environment where uncertainty and ambiguity is high with the ability to identify solutions for complex issues, having a flexible approach to change and is able to work effectively in a variety of situations.

Qualifications

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Desirable – APM or equivalent project or change management qualification.

About the Team

• We support operational teams build and deliver effective transformation delivery plans for a stronger, greener & healthier North West.
• Our team is committed to delivering positive transformation across operations to make the business more effective by being simpler, smarter & better at what we do whilst providing a better service for our customers and better workplace for our employees.
• If you have experience in project management and are passionate about delivering change into a busy operational environment then this is the team for you.

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.