Process Controller

United Utilities; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in the UK seeks a Process Controller for their Wastewater Treatment Works. The role involves hands-on operations to optimise energy-from-waste processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency in a supportive team environment. The ideal candidate should have practical experience and a UK driving licence. Excellent benefits include a generous leave package, competitive pension, and healthcare plan, underscoring the commitment to staff well-being and development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Competitive pension scheme

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Sound level of practical or hands-on experience in an operational, engineering or process-based environment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Willingness to learn and build technical knowledge in renewable and waste treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Operation and optimisation of Wastewater treatment sites and Pumping Stations.
• Completing on-time planned workload and recording reactive tasks.
• Providing accurate asset performance information.
• Coordinating contractors on site.

Skills

Practical experience in operational settings

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Proactive mindset

Education

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Job Location - Bolton Wastewater Treatment Works, Red Rock Lane, Stoneclough, Bolton, M26 1FL

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

United Utilities’ 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 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 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
• 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

Are you someone who thrives in a hands‑on environment, enjoys problem‑solving, and wants to make a real difference? Join a skilled, supportive team playing a key role in running waste into renewable energy‑helping power communities while protecting the planet. As a Process Controller, you’ll be based on site and work as part of a close‑knit operations team, carrying out a mix of proactive, planned and responsive tasks to ensure our energy‑from‑waste processes run safely, efficiently, and compliantly. This is a role where no two days are the same – and where your actions have real impact. You’ll work within clear quality and safety frameworks and build strong working relationships across the site, helping spot and solve issues that could affect compliance, performance or environmental targets. Whether you are maintaining equipment, optimising plant performance, or contributing to continuous improvement, you’ll be part of something meaningful – and you’ll be supported to grow across different parts of the operation.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Operation and optimisation of Wastewater treatment sites and Last in Line Pumping Stations
• Completing on‑time planned workload of cyclic tasks and recording of reactive tasks
• Completing weekly reviews and providing input and support where required
• Providing reliable, accurate and complete asset performance information
• Analysing and recommending solutions to recurring process problems
• Working toward an accredited qualification or standard relevant to your role, alongside health and safety, technical and behavioural training programmes
• Coordinating and supervising contractors on site to ensure all work is completed safely, compliantly and in line with operational standards

Technical Skills & Experience

• Full UK driving licence is essential, as you may need to travel to and between sites as part of the role
• A sound level of practical or hands‑on experience in an operational, engineering or process‑based environment
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) health & safety rules and environmental guidelines
• Strong awareness of working safely in a site‑based or industrial setting
• Proactive mindset with the ability to spot and respond to potential issues
• Willingness to learn and build technical knowledge relevant to renewable and waste treatment processes
• Strong team player who communicates well with others across different roles
• Role will require out‑of‑hours standby

This role may not be eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.