Senior Technical Author

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Generous annual leave entitlement

Private healthcare options

Flexible and hybrid working

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Senior Technical Author to lead the development and governance of technical documentation across our Capital Delivery Programme. You will translate complex engineering information into clear content for operational and technical audiences and drive standards across major projects.

The role combines technical writing, governance, and leadership within a large infrastructure programme, with flexible hybrid working and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Significant experience producing technical documentation within engineering, infrastructure, utilities or other highly regulated environments.
• Exceptional technical writing skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, accurately and concisely.
• Strong understanding of structured document management, governance and quality assurance processes.
• Experience gathering and synthesising technical information from multiple subject matter experts.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge, influence and drive standards.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to meet demanding programme deadlines.
• Experience working with SharePoint, document control systems and collaborative platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation, review and quality assurance of technical documentation across major capital projects.
• Produce and oversee a wide range of documents including Operations and Maintenance Manuals, Site-Specific Technical Documentation and Training Materials.
• Translate complex engineering and operational information into clear, user-friendly content for diverse audiences.
• Act as the technical lead for documentation governance, ensuring consistency, quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with engineers, commissioning managers, designers and operational teams to gather and maintain technical information.
• Drive development of innovative documentation strategies, standards and best practices.

Skills

Technical writing

Stakeholder management

Documentation governance

Regulatory compliance

Project coordination

Education

Degree or HND in Technical Writing/Information Management

Tools

SharePoint

Document control systems

Collaborative platforms

Job description

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.

The role

Location: Warrington (Lingley Mere)
Hybrid Working: Flexible hybrid working arrangements available
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Help Shape the Knowledge Behind Some of the UK's Most Critical Infrastructure Projects

At United Utilities, we're delivering more than water. We're helping to create a stronger, greener and healthier North West. Behind every major infrastructure investment, treatment works upgrade, and operational improvement sits clear, accurate and accessible technical information that enables our assets to operate safely, efficiently and compliantly.

We're looking for an experienced Senior Technical Author to lead the development, governance and continuous improvement of technical documentation across our Capital Delivery Programme. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership and innovation while working at the heart of one of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes.

If you're passionate about transforming complex engineering information into meaningful, practical documentation that supports operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

You'll have responsibility for:

Leading the creation, review and quality assurance of technical documentation across major capital projects.

Producing and overseeing a wide range of documentation, including:

• Operation and Maintenance Manuals
• Site-Specific Technical Documentation
• Training Materials
• User Guides
• Asset Handover Documentation
• Translating complex engineering and operational information into clear, user-friendly content for operational and technical audiences.
• Acting as the technical lead for documentation governance, ensuring consistency, quality and compliance across all deliverables.
• Working collaboratively with engineers, commissioning managers, designers and operational teams to gather, validate and maintain technical information.
• Driving the development of innovative documentation strategies, standards and best practices.
• Designing and maintaining document templates, publication structures and governance frameworks.
• Leading governance sessions with stakeholders to ensure documentation is accurate, approved and effectively implemented within the business.
• Managing and developing the team's SharePoint environment, improving collaboration, document control and approval workflows.
• Maintaining robust version control processes and ensuring documentation remains current and compliant.
• Developing supporting training materials to facilitate the introduction of new assets, technologies and processes.
• Supporting communications across Capital Engineering and Construction and the wider organisation.
• Coaching and mentoring technical authors and new team members to enhance capability across the function.
• Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities to enhance documentation systems, processes and user experience.

Why this Role Matters

Every treatment works upgrade, pumping station improvement, network enhancement and operational asset relies on accurate technical documentation to ensure safe operation and long-term performance.

As Senior Technical Author, you'll be a key link between engineering delivery and operational success, ensuring the knowledge behind our infrastructure investments is captured, transferred and preserved effectively.

The work you produce will support engineers, operational colleagues, regulatory compliance and ultimately help deliver exceptional service to millions of customers across the North West.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced technical documentation professional who can combine technical understanding with exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience producing technical documentation within engineering, infrastructure, utilities or other highly regulated environments.
• Exceptional technical writing skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, accurately and concisely.
• Strong understanding of structured document management, governance and quality assurance processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality outputs.
• Proven experience gathering and synthesising technical information from multiple subject matter experts.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge, influence and drive standards.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to meet demanding programme deadlines.
• Experience working with SharePoint, document control systems and collaborative platforms.
• A passion for continuous improvement and improving the way technical information is communicated and managed.

About You

You'll likely be educated to Degree or HND level in a relevant discipline such as:

• Technical Writing
• Asset Management
• Information Management
• Equivalent industry experience will also be highly valued.

You'll also bring:

• Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and operational environments.
• Understanding of industry regulations, compliance requirements and infrastructure documentation standards.
• Experience supporting large-scale engineering, construction or capital delivery programmes.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong relationships across technical and operational teams.

Why United Utilities?

Join a FTSE 100 organisation delivering one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes in the UK.

In return, you'll benefit from:

Performance-related bonus opportunities

Generous annual leave entitlement

Private healthcare options

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Professional development and career progression opportunities

Employee wellbeing and lifestyle benefits

The opportunity to work on projects that positively impact millions of customers and communities across the North West

Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to become the driving force behind technical documentation excellence within a business investing billions in the future of water and wastewater services.

If you're passionate about technical communication, knowledge management and supporting engineering excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure the knowledge behind our assets is as strong as the infrastructure itself.

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.