Process Controller (Bioresource)

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

Benefits offered by this job

26 days’ annual leave, rising by one

Competitive pension with up to 14%

Performance related bonus of up to 7.5

Company funded healthcare plan and EAP

Discounts through MORE Choices

Salary Finance and Wealth at Work

Electric vehicle scheme and ShareBuy

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

United Utilities in Blackburn is seeking a Process Controller to oversee and optimise sludge treatment and bioresources processes. The role involves monitoring performance, analysing data, and making decisions to keep operations safe, compliant, and efficient.

You will work with a team of Controllers and engineers, interpreting data, responding to changing conditions, and driving continuous improvement across site assets.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical, analytical, and diagnostic skills to interpret data and identify trends.
• Ability to stay calm, resilient and focused in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent planning, organisational, communication, and IT skills; team-friendly.
• Commitment to health, safety, environmental compliance and operating procedures.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimise site processes to deliver safe, reliable, and compliant performance across bioresources operations.
• Monitor plant performance, interpret data, and identify trends to maximise efficiency and minimise risk.
• Complete planned activities while effectively managing reactive tasks and process events.
• Produce accurate asset and process performance information to support decision-making.
• Investigate recurring issues, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and technical teams to achieve targets.
• Participate in training and development, including accredited qualifications and technical programmes.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Operational decision making

Calm under pressure

Planning and organisation

Communication skills

IT skills

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

Process Controller | Blackburn | £40,232

Are you someone who enjoys understanding how processes work, analysing performance data, and making decisions that keep operations running safely and efficiently? Join United Utilities' Blackburn Bioresources Team as a Process Controller, where you'll play a key role in overseeing and optimising critical sludge treatment and bioresources processes.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and experienced operational team responsible for safely managing and improving site performance. Working closely with fellow Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers, and operational colleagues, you'll help ensure assets operate reliably, environmental standards are maintained, and operational targets are achieved.

No two days are the same. You'll be at the heart of the operation, monitoring plant performance, responding to changing conditions, troubleshooting process issues, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency. If you enjoy problem-solving, taking ownership, and working in a role where your decisions have a direct impact, this could be the perfect fit.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating and optimising site processes to deliver safe, reliable, and compliant performance across bioresources operations.
• Monitoring plant performance, interpreting operational data, and identifying trends to maximise efficiency and minimise operational risk.
• Completing planned operational activities while effectively managing and responding to reactive tasks and process events.
• Producing accurate asset and process performance information to support operational decision‑making.
• Investigating recurring process issues, identifying root causes, and implementing or recommending sustainable improvements.
• Working collaboratively with operational, maintenance, and technical teams to deliver performance, compliance, and business objectives.
• Participating in ongoing training and development, including accredited qualifications and technical learning programmes.

What You'll Bring

• Strong numerical, analytical, and diagnostic skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make sound operational decisions.
• The ability to remain calm, resilient, and focused in a fast‑paced operational environment, using a methodical approach to problem‑solving.
• Strong planning, organisational, communication, and IT skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• A proactive mindset, a commitment to continuous learning, and an understanding of the importance of health, safety, environmental compliance, and operational procedures.
• A full UK driving licence.

Why This Role

This role offers the opportunity to develop specialist operational expertise within a critical part of United Utilities' wastewater and bioresources operation. You'll gain hands‑on experience managing complex treatment processes, building a deep understanding of how assets, systems, and operations work together to deliver essential services.

You'll be trusted to make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership of plant performance while benefiting from the support of an experienced and collaborative team. As your knowledge grows, you'll have opportunities to develop your technical expertise, gain recognised training, and broaden your understanding of operational process control.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a team that values teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, giving you the chance to build a rewarding long‑term career while making a genuine difference to the communities we serve.

Benefits

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising by one day for each completed holiday year (served up to a maximum of 30days) plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution and life cover
• Performance related bonus of up to 7.5% plus recognition awards
• Company funded healthcare plan and wellbeing support including mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to discounts, gym savings, and flexible benefits through MORE Choices
• Financial wellbeing support including Salary Finance and Wealth at Work
• Electric vehicle scheme and ShareBuy options
• Enhanced parental leave

If you're a proactive problem‑solver who enjoys working in a fast‑paced operational environment, this is your opportunity to develop specialist expertise, make confident decisions, and play a key role in delivering essential services every day. We'd love to hear from you.

Note: At United Utilities, we believe people are more than just applications. Every application is personally reviewed by our recruitment team and hiring manager. We do not use AI or automated screening tools to assess applications.