Production Manager - Wastewater

United Utilities; Workington; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension up to 14%

Performance bonus up to 10.5%

Healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Best Doctors

Wealth at Work courses

EVolve Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

Mental health first aiders

More Choices flexible benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a driven Production Manager to lead the operation and maintenance of wholesale assets at the Workington site, with occasional travel to nearby locations. You will drive performance, ensure safety and compliance, and own maintenance strategies and budgets.

You will manage a team of Process Operators, Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers and Apprentices, shaping a high-performing culture and collaborating with internal and external partners to resolve asset

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership to drive operational performance, safety, and culture.
• Ability to plan and execute maintenance and asset strategies.
• Clear communication across levels and with partners.
• Experience managing continuous operations and escalation processes.
• Strong problem-solving to identify asset issues early and act.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in compliance, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation and maintenance of wholesale assets across the designated area.
• Manage site budgets including maintenance expenditure.
• Identify and resolve asset performance issues with cross-functional support.
• Drive improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health and safety.
• Address training needs and close skills gaps within the team.
• Ensure site meets security and emergency preparedness requirements.
• Share best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Planning

Clear Communication

24/7 Operational Awareness

Problem Solving

Continuous Improvement

Job description

The Role

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 Barrow 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 Process Operators, Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers, and Apprentices, 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.

Progression Opportunities

This role offers excellent potential for career development within United Utilities. As a Production Manager, you will gain comprehensive exposure to all aspects of operational management, including leadership, compliance, asset performance, and strategic planning. This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for progression into more senior operational leadership roles within the business.

We’ve seen individuals in similar roles successfully progress to positions such as Treatment Delivery Manager, Network Delivery Manager and onto County Business Leader, demonstrating the clear pathways available for ambitious leaders.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship

What We're Looking For

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

What We Offer:

• 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

Salary - 64k
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Workington Wastewater Treatment Works, Maryport Road, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 1NW
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.