Senior Network Delivery Manager

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

Job summary

A leading utility provider is seeking a Network Delivery Manager to oversee network operations and lead a large team. This pivotal role focuses on ensuring compliance, driving customer satisfaction, and optimizing performance. Applicants should have a graduate-level education, extensive experience in operational leadership within a regulated environment, and strong financial skills. The position offers competitive pay with a full-time onsite working arrangement in Rochdale.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Experience in leading large-scale operational teams and infrastructure delivery.
• Full UK driving license for required regional travel.
• Ability to translate strategic plans into actionable delivery plans.

Responsibilities

• Drive all network operations to achieve regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and manage the wastewater network team offerings.
• Champion health & safety and embed proactive network management.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Communication

Financial acumen

Customer service focus

Problem-solving

Education

Graduate-level education or professional qualification

Job description

The Role

We're looking for a Network Delivery Manager who thrives on driving performance through high-performing operational field teams and setting new standards for customer service investigations and resolutions. This is your chance to take ownership of a critical region, ensuring delivery, progress, and performance are non-negotiable.

As a senior leader within the Wastewater Leadership Team, you'll turn strategic vision into actionable plans-mobilizing field teams to deliver results that matter. You'll champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, leveraging system thinking and situational awareness to prioritize investment and optimize TOTEX.

Your leadership will not only ensure cost-effective, compliant operations but also inspire teams to deliver frontier-level customer service outcomes. This is a pivotal role in driving an ambitious transformation programme that redefines industry standards and elevates customer experience to new heights.

Role Accountabilities

• Drive and oversee all network operations and maintenance activities, ensuring operational field teams consistently achieve regulatory compliance, safety standards, financial objectives, customer satisfaction.
• Develop and performance manage the wastewater network team, providing technical expertise to leadership and the wider business.
• Prioritise investment to balance customer needs, business objectives, ODIs, and health & safety requirements.
• Manage resources: 4-6 direct reports, leadership of 100+ employees, and oversight of area TOTEX budget (capex & opex).
• Drive operational projects and initiatives as the focal lead within the area.
• Champion health & safety, embedding a culture where Nothing we do is worth getting hurt for.
• Lead change by moving from reactive to proactive network management, aligning with company KPIs and strategic goals.
• Embed and evolve the operating model to deliver cost efficiencies and enhanced customer service.
• Reduce repeat incidents and improve serviceability through proactive network management.
• Develop talent through performance reviews, training, and development to maintain a highly skilled workforce.
• Implement control mechanisms to optimise routine operations and maintenance in line with company policy.
• Direct planned and reactive maintenance to maximise asset reliability and performance.
• Adopt best-practice maintenance strategies to extend asset life and minimise compliance risk.
• Plan and monitor resources, ensuring compliance and contractual performance.
• Ensure accurate asset and regulatory data from field operations.
• Prepare and implement process improvements for efficiency and customer service.
• Build strong external relationships with regulators and stakeholders to enhance compliance and service delivery.

Essential SkillS & Experience

• Graduate-level education or professional qualification, with extensive experience in leading large-scale operational teams and infrastructure delivery.
• Full UK driving license is essential as regional travel is required.
• Proven ability to translate strategic business plans into integrated, actionable delivery plans for complex networks.
• Strong track record of operating in a highly regulated, customer-focused environment, ensuring compliance and service excellence.
• Influential leadership capability to inspire and direct multi-disciplinary teams, with experience managing significant headcount and senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of wastewater network infrastructure, including asset design, construction, operation, and serviceability.
• Financial and analytical expertise to manage substantial TOTEX budgets and drive cost efficiency.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver through others, embedding accountability and high performance across large delivery teams.
• Adaptability and resilience to respond rapidly to operational challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Strategic awareness of wider business issues and industry trends, aligning local delivery with corporate objectives.
• Proven success in achieving key targets and KPIs within resource constraints, balancing customer, regulatory, and financial priorities.

About Us

Salary - Competitive
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Rochdale Wastewater Treatment Works, Roch Valley Way, Rochdale, OL11 4QH
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 va lue and value contribution.