System Performance Manager

United Utilities; Urmston; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

10.5% performance bonus

Healthcare plan

EVolve Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

Salary Finance

Discounts and deals

Gym and wellness benefits

Job summary

United Utilities is recruiting a System Performance Manager to drive improvements across wastewater treatment, infrastructure and operations within a defined geographic area.

You will lead an intelligence-led programme using data and monitoring tools to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities. The role requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver lasting outcomes for customers and the environment.

Qualifications

• Strong data interpretation to develop improvement plans.
• Ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience driving performance across wastewater/infra operations.
• Proven track record delivering operational improvements.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance practices.

Responsibilities

• Drive an intelligence-led approach to wastewater system performance across your area.
• Use data and monitoring tools to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Develop and deliver operational plans improving performance, compliance and customer outcomes.
• Lead performance initiatives across treatment, network and wastewater operations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for sustainable solutions.
• Champion a whole-system approach to end-to-end wastewater network decisions.
• Input into capital projects, maintenance programmes and investment plans.
• Support county leadership during major incidents and operational events.
• Drive cultural change towards proactive, data-led management.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team and share best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve asset reliability, resilience and regulatory performance.

Skills

Data analytics

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Performance improvement

Regulatory understanding

Project delivery

Education

Degree qualified

CIWEM/IWater membership desirable

Job description

The Role

We're looking for a System Performance Manager to drive performance improvements across wastewater treatment, infrastructure and non-infrastructure operations within a defined geographical area. This is a strategic and influential role where you'll work across operational teams to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges and deliver lasting improvements for customers and the environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Driving an integrated, intelligence-led approach to wastewater system performance across your area.
• Using data, analytics and monitoring tools to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Developing and delivering operational plans that improve performance, compliance, customer outcomes and efficiency.
• Leading performance improvement initiatives across treatment, network and wider wastewater operations.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
• Championing a whole-system approach, ensuring decisions deliver the best outcomes across the end-to-end wastewater network.
• Providing technical and operational input into capital projects, maintenance programmes and future investment plans.
• Supporting the county leadership team during major incidents and operational events.
• Driving cultural change towards proactive, planned and data-led operational management.
• Leading, developing and motivating a high-performing team while fostering collaboration and sharing best practice.
• Identifying opportunities to improve asset reliability, resilience, efficiency and regulatory performance.
• Ensuring resources and investment are aligned to operational priorities and business objectives.

What We're Looking For

• Full UK driving licence as regional travel is required.
• Experience in wastewater operations, asset performance or a related technical field, with a proven track record of delivering operational improvements.
• Degree qualified or equivalent experience, with membership of a relevant professional institution (such as CIWEM or IWater) desirable.
• Strong understanding of wastewater systems and the regulatory and legislative framework required to maintain compliance and operational excellence.
• Ability to translate operational data and insight into effective performance improvement plans and sustainable solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and drive collaboration across multiple operational teams.
• Experience managing performance against regulatory, operational and financial targets within a complex environment.
• Highly analytical, with the ability to identify trends, solve problems and implement practical improvements that deliver measurable results.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, balancing immediate operational priorities with long-term system performance objectives.
• Passion for continuous improvement, innovation and embedding new ways of working, including monitoring, control and automation technologies.

About Us

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.

Salary - Competitive Salary

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

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
• 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