Process Controller

United Utilities; Wigan; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26 days (30 after 4 years

8 bank holidays

Pension up to 14% employer contrib.

Performance bonus up to 7.5%

Healthcare plan

MyGymDiscounts – 25%

Best Doctors

Salary Finance

EVolve Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

Mental health first aiders

ShareBuy

MORE Choices flexible benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

United Utilities in Wigan is seeking a Process Controller to help operate, maintain and optimise our wastewater production assets. In a fast-paced, on-site team, you will perform proactive, planned and reactive tasks to keep assets performing safely and reliably.

You will build relationships, follow SOPs, deliver asset performance data, and participate in out-of-hours standby. The role requires GCSEs including Maths/English, a UK driving licence, and strong problem-solving and data-handling

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at A-C including Maths, English and a Science/Technology subject, evidenced by certification.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving, data communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimise wastewater treatment site production and last in line pumping stations.
• Maintain the necessary skills, competence, and recency required under the WATER LTO Scheme.
• Complete scheduled cyclic tasks and document reactive tasks promptly.
• Deliver accurate, reliable asset performance data.
• Investigate recurring process issues and recommend effective solutions.
• Participate in the area out-of-hours standby response rota (when fully trained).

Skills

Numeracy skills

Computers

Reporting

Information recording

Diagnostic skills

Planning

Organisational skills

Education

GCSEs A-C incl Maths, English, Science/Technology

Full UK driving licence

Job description

The Role

As a Process Controller, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable production of water for our customers. Working as part of a skilled team of Process Controllers and Field Service Engineers, you'll be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of our water production assets.

No two days are the same. Operating within a modern, fast-paced environment, you'll undertake a mix of proactive, planned, and reactive activities to keep our assets performing at their best. Through your efforts, you'll help us achieve key regulatory, customer, operational, and financial targets while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, thrives in an operational environment, and takes pride in delivering an essential service that makes a real difference to communities every day.

What you will be doing

Operating within a defined framework of Quality Assurance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS), you will be expected to build strong working relationships within the operational team, proactively identify operational challenges that could lead to compliance or customer service issues, and implement solutions to enhance the performance and efficiency of production assets.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Operating and optimising wastewater treatment site production and last in line pumping stations.
• Maintaining the necessary skills, competence, and recency required for the role under the WATER LTO Scheme.
• Completing scheduled cyclic tasks and documenting reactive tasks in a timely manner.
• Delivering accurate, reliable, and comprehensive asset performance data.
• Investigating recurring process issues and recommending effective solutions.
• Participate in the area out-of-hours standby response rota (when fully trained).

Additionally, you will work towards achieving an accredited qualification or standard relevant to your role, along with completing various health and safety, technical, and behavioural training courses.

What we are looking for

To excel in this role, you must have strong numeracy skills, be proficient with computers, and adept at handling reporting and information recording across multiple platforms.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and a Science or Technology subject **and be able to evidence these through certification, along with a full UK driving licence.

You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating resilience, self-motivation, and strong problem-solving abilities, as well as the necessary technical competence. Additionally, you must possess excellent diagnostic, planning, and organisational skills, effectively communicate information and data, and have a solid understanding of safe systems of work, statutory regulations and operational procedures.

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

About Us

Salary - £40,232
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, Deans Lane, Hoscar, Nr Ormskirk, L40 4BL
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.

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.