Risk Manager

UNITED UTILITIES; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company in the UK is seeking a Senior Asset Manager to ensure compliance with regulations while managing risk and developing strategic interventions. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in the water industry, strong analytical skills, and a degree in a numerate or technical discipline. This role involves presenting strategic recommendations and collaborating with various stakeholders to optimize asset costs. Enjoy a hybrid working model from Warrington and Blackburn, alongside competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Excellent salary

Development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in the water industry.
• Wide experience and good knowledge of water supply and treatment practices.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory framework and funding mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Identify, validate and prioritize risks in asset management.
• Prepare and present recommendations for interventions.

Skills

Strong analytical reasoning

Negotiating skills

Financial/economic skills

Excellent communication

Team-working skills

Education

Degree in a numerate or technical discipline

Post graduate qualification (desirable)

Certificate in Asset Management (desirable)

Job description

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Ensure delivery of service from designated assets and facilities within DMZs/wastewater catchments, maintaining full compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Work with strategy and risk teams to identify, validate and prioritise risks, balancing strategic and operational drivers, and develop intervention options to optimise whole‑life asset costs.
• Prepare and present recommendations for interventions, including risk reduction benefits and whole‑life costs, develop requirement statements, and manage change control during project delivery.
• Create benefits realisation plans, monitor outcomes post‑intervention, and conduct post‑investment appraisals to confirm achievement of expected benefits.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and audits, advise on asset protection and planning implications, and collaborate with other risk managers to share best practice across regions. Relevant educational qualifications, including a degree in a numerate or technical discipline or at least 10 years experience in the water industry.
• A post graduate qualification is desirable.
• Ideally the post holder will have a Certificate in Asset Management and be working towards a Diploma in Asset Management (or equivalent).
• The post holder will normally be a member of a professional body e.g. Institute of Asset Management, CIWEM, Institute of Water, Institution of Civil Engineers, Society for the Environment.
• A valid driving licence is essential.
• Strong analytical reasoning, planning and strategic thinking capabilities, negotiating skills, influencing skills, financial/economic skills combined with good team‑working skills to form excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communicator and influencer to help develop and promote their Asset Management Plans and intervention decisions, ensuring engagement of internal and external stakeholders. They must have the skills to be able to write persuasive recommendations appropriate to the decision makers.
• Wide experience and a good knowledge of water supply, treatment, and network practices. Experience of risk management techniques, and strategic planning, with a sound knowledge of the linked investment and business finance issues and appraisal methods.
• A good understanding of the regulatory framework and funding mechanisms. 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.
• Hybrid offices between Warrington Lingley Mere 3 days per week and the County hub (Blackburn WwTW) 2 days per week.
• 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.