Risk Manager

UNITED UTILITIES; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management company is seeking a strategic thinker to manage wastewater assets and oversee risk management programs. This role involves collaboration with internal teams and external partners to ensure asset performance and compliance. Candidates should have experience in risk and asset management within the water industry. The position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Competitive pension scheme

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym membership discounts

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in risk and/or asset management within the water industry.
• Valid UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements.
• Strong analytical and financial/economic appraisal skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the performance and compliance of wastewater assets.
• Collaborate with teams to identify and prioritise service-balancing risks.
• Evaluate best-value solutions and oversee change control.

Skills

Risk management

Asset management

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Degree in a technical discipline

Postgraduate qualification in Asset Management

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Own the performance and compliance of wastewater assets across designated DMZs/catchments.
• Collaborate with Strategy teams and Risk Analysts to identify, validate, and prioritise service‑balancing risks.
• Evaluate intervention options for prioritised risks, scope and estimate best‑value solutions with Engineering teams.
• Develop clear requirements statements and benefits realisation plans for approved interventions, oversee change control and lead post‑investment appraisals.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions, audits, and planning applications, monitor non‑capex interventions and support internal reporting.
• Work closely with other Asset Managers across the region to share best practices and optimise asset performance and whole‑life costs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in risk and/or asset management, ideally within the water industry.
• Valid UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements across the region.
• Ideally educated to degree level in a technical discipline, with a postgraduate qualification and/or professional certification in Asset Management 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, with experience supporting regulatory submissions and audits.

Salary and Work Type

Salary – Competitive. Work Type – Hybrid. Job Location – Blackburn waste water treatment works, Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, Blackburn, Lancashire, PR5 0UY.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, increasing to 30 days after four years of service (one day per year), plus 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.
• MyGym discounts – gym and wellness benefit offering 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.