Production Manager Wastewater

UNITED UTILITIES; Butterwick; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management company in the UK is looking for an experienced Production Manager. You will lead the operation and maintenance of production assets, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Your role will involve managing budgets, leading a dedicated team, and enhancing operational reliability. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, operational planning abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

26 days of annual leave increasing to 30 after four years

Competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution

10.5% performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym discounts and wellness benefits

Employee Assistance Plan

Enhanced parental leave schemes

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead, inspire and drive operational team performance.
• Skilled in creating and delivering clear operational plans.
• Experience managing services that run around the clock.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify asset issues early.
• Committed to driving ongoing improvements in compliance and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation and maintenance of wholesale assets.
• Maintain site operations and associated budgets.
• Identify and resolve asset performance issues.
• Drive improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health and safety.
• Address training needs and close skills gaps within the team.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Planning & Clear Communication

24/7 Operational Awareness

Problem Solving & Risk Response

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Job description

We're looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to join our team, leading the operation and maintenance of our wholesale assets across the Workington production site, with occasional visits to surrounding locations as required. In this key leadership role, you'll be accountable for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our production operations. With a strong focus on health and safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, you'll take ownership of budgets, maintenance strategies, and delivery against our business plan. You'll lead a team of direct reports and play a vital role in shaping a positive, high-performing culture. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, you'll ensure asset issues are identified and resolved quickly, while also maintaining strong external relationships with partners and suppliers.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Leading the operation and maintenance of wholesale assets across the designated production area.
• Maintaining site operations and associated budgets, including maintenance expenditure.
• Identify and resolve asset performance issues, engaging support where needed.
• Drive improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health and safety.
• Address training needs and close skills gaps within the team.
• Ensure site meets all security and emergency preparedness requirements.
• Contribute to the leadership of the wider wholesale team by sharing best practice and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

A full UK driving license is essential for travel across the production areas.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strategic Leadership - Proven ability to lead, inspire and drive operational team performance, while embedding a positive and accountable team culture.
• Operational Planning & Clear Communication - Skilled in creating and delivering clear operational plans, with the confidence to communicate effectively at all levels, including in high-pressure or consultative environments.
• 24/7 Operational Awareness - Experience managing services that run around the clock, with a strong understanding of prioritisation, responsiveness and safety in a continuous operation environment.
• Problem Solving & Risk Response - Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify asset issues early and take swift, appropriate action - whether directly or through escalation.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset - Committed to driving ongoing improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health & safety, while actively sharing best practices across teams and departments.

United Utilities Purpose

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.

Salary and Benefits

Salary - Competitive Salary

Work Type - Onsite | Role Type - Permanent | Employment Type - Full Time | Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

• 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.
• MORE Choices flexible benefits.
• Enhanced parental leave schemes.

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.