Programme Planning Manager

United Utilities; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company in the UK seeks a dynamic leader to head a team in delivering critical infrastructure projects. This role involves overseeing the Mains Renewal Programme and ensuring compliance with regulatory commitments. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, experience with financial oversight, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 over four years

Up to 14% employer contribution pension scheme

Performance-related bonus of up to 7.5%

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness discounts

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operational teams and delivering infrastructure or capital programmes.
• Strong project management skills with experience using P6 or similar planning tools.
• Sound financial management skills with budget optimisation experience.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across teams and partners.
• Strategic mindset aligning operational delivery to regulatory outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of technical and support staff.
• Oversee delivery and financial control of key projects including the Mains Renewal Programme.
• Collaborate with delivery partners to ensure projects meet standards.
• Provide strategic input to major capital projects.
• Manage performance reporting and spend forecasts.

Skills

Project management skills

Stakeholder management

Operational team leadership

Financial acumen

Tools

P6

Job description

Overview

The Role
Are you ready to take the lead on critical infrastructure programmes that shape the future of water services for millions? We're looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to head up a team of technical and support professionals delivering high-impact regional programmes—balancing customer service, regulatory performance, operational excellence, and financial efficiency.

In this pivotal role, you'll be at the forefront of projects that directly support our regulatory commitments, including key initiatives like the Mains Renewal Programme and performance measures such as ODI and SIM. You'll guide your team through planning, monitoring, and delivering essential works that make a real difference to our communities every day.

Key Accountabilities

• Leading and developing a high-performing team of technical and support staff.
• Overseeing the delivery and financial control of key projects, including the Mains Renewal Programme and minor capital works.
• Driving the development, monitoring, and monthly review of annual programmes aligned with regulatory and business priorities.
• Collaborating with third-party delivery partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the required standard.
• Providing strategic input into major capital projects, ensuring assets are fit for purpose and future ready.
• Managing performance reporting and spend forecasts through tools like P6.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading operational teams and delivering infrastructure and/or capital programmes.
• Strong project management skills, with experience using P6 or similar planning tools.
• Sound financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and optimise investment decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills—able to influence, collaborate, and communicate across internal teams and external partners.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to align operational delivery to regulatory outcomes (e.g. ODI/SIM).

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 - Competitive

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

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.