Risk Manager

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

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Asset Manager to lead the risk management programme for wastewater assets. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders to ensure compliance, develop solutions, and enhance service delivery. Candidates should have experience in Risk and Asset Management within the water industry. This full-time role offers hybrid work opportunities and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Annual leave package of 26 days, increasing to 30 after four years

Pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness benefit

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Risk and/or Asset Management, ideally within the water industry.
• Valid UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, validate, and prioritise risks to service.
• Evaluate intervention options for prioritised risks.
• Oversee change control during delivery and lead post-investment appraisals.

Skills

Risk Management

Asset Management

Strategic Planning

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Degree in a numerate or technical discipline

Postgraduate qualification in Asset Management

Job description

The Role

Are you ready to lead the charge in protecting and enhancing vital infrastructure across the Northwest? We're looking for a strategic thinker and collaborator to define and drive a prioritised risk management programme for our wastewater assets-balancing stakeholder expectations and delivering best-value solutions that safeguard the service we provide to millions of customers.

In this pivotal role, you'll work alongside fellow Asset Managers to ensure comprehensive coverage across all wastewater catchments, with the opportunity to lead a Risk Analyst. Acting as a key liaison for the County Business Leader, you'll engage with internal teams and external partners to ensure our assets are maintained and improved in line with strategic goals, budgets, and timelines.

This is your chance to make a lasting impact-contributing to smarter planning, stronger infrastructure, and a more resilient future for our communities.

Key Accountabilities

• Customer Service & Compliance: Own the performance and compliance of wastewater assets across designated DMZs/catchments, ensuring service delivery meets both company and regulatory standards.
• Risk Identification & Prioritisation: Collaborate with Strategy teams and Risk Analysts to identify, validate, and prioritise risks to service-balancing strategic drivers (growth, quality, legislation) with operational risks flagged through inspections, maintenance reports, and internal processes.
• Solution Development & Investment Planning: Evaluate a full range of intervention options for prioritised risks, working with Engineering teams to scope, estimate, and recommend best-value solutions. Quantify risk reduction and Whole Life Costs to support investment decisions.
• Project Sponsorship & Benefits Realisation: Develop clear Requirements Statements and Benefits Realisation Plans for approved interventions. Oversee change control during delivery and lead post-investment appraisals to confirm benefits achieved.
• Regulatory & Strategic Support: Contribute to regulatory submissions (Ofwat, EA, DWI, HSE), audits, and planning applications. Monitor non-capex interventions and support internal reporting on regulatory contract changes.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Work closely with other Asset Managers across the region to share best practices and optimise asset performance and Whole Life Costs.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in Risk and/or Asset Management, ideally within the water industry, with a strong understanding of wastewater systems, strategic planning, and investment appraisal.
• Valid UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements across the region.
• Ideally educated to degree level in a numerate or technical discipline, with a postgraduate qualification and/or professional certification in Asset Management (e.g. IAM Certificate or Diploma) considered advantageous.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial/economic appraisal skills, combined with excellent planning, negotiation, and influencing capabilities.
• Effective communicator with the ability to build strong relationships and write persuasive, evidence-based recommendations for a range of stakeholders.
• A solid understanding of the UK regulatory framework and funding mechanisms (Ofwat, EA, DWI, HSE), with experience supporting regulatory submissions and audits.

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 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

About Us

Salary - Competitive

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Blackburn waste water treatment works, Cuerdale Lane Samlesbury Blackburn Lancashire PR5 0UY

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.