Production Manager (Wastewater)

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

Job summary

A leading water services company is seeking an experienced Production Manager for their Workington site. This role involves overseeing the operation and maintenance of wholesale assets, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and leading a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have strong strategic leadership skills, experience in operational planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is a permanent full-time position with competitive salary and benefits, focused on sustainable practices.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Core benefits reflecting value

Qualifications

• Full UK driving license required for travel.
• Experience leading operational teams in high-pressure environments.
• Analytical skills to identify and resolve asset performance issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation and maintenance of wholesale assets.
• Manage budgets and maintenance expenditure.
• Ensure compliance and health & safety standards are met.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Planning

24/7 Operational Awareness

Problem Solving

Continuous Improvement Mindset

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 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.

Role 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.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 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.

About Us

Salary - Competitive Salary
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.