Water Efficiency Delivery Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

Pension up to 14%

Healthcare plan

Employee discounts

Wellness benefits

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking an experienced water efficiency professional to lead the agriculture and land workstream, delivering projects that reduce potable water demand across non-household sectors.

You will own projects, pilot schemes and campaigns, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to test new approaches and achieve measurable demand reductions. This role shapes future strategies and sustainable, evidence-based solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
• Experience planning, coordinating and delivering projects to targets, budgets and timescales.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of water resources management and regulatory landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the agriculture and land water efficiency programme.
• Manage a portfolio of water efficiency projects and pilot schemes.
• Monitor and report on water savings and project performance.
• Build partnerships with suppliers and external organisations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop innovative water efficiency solutions.
• Develop and trial water reuse and alternative supply solutions.

Skills

Degree-level qualification

Driving license

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Customer engagement

Project monitoring

Water industry knowledge

Agriculture/land sector experience

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate water efficiency professional to play a key role in shaping and delivering our water demand reduction ambitions. Working within our Water Efficiency team, you will lead the delivery of our agriculture and land workstream, developing and implementing innovative projects that reduce potable water demand across the non-household sector.

In this role, you will take ownership of projects and pilot schemes that test new approaches to water efficiency, helping to evaluate their effectiveness, costs and long-term benefits. You will work closely with the Water Efficiency Manager, internal stakeholders and external partners, including farms, sporting irrigators and other business customers, to identify opportunities for change and deliver measurable outcomes. Your work will directly influence future water efficiency strategies, ensuring we continue to develop sustainable, evidence-based solutions that support our customers, communities and the environment.

Role Accountabilities

• Lead the delivery of our agriculture and land water efficiency programme, helping to achieve regulatory and business water demand reduction targets.
• Manage and deliver a portfolio of water efficiency projects and pilot schemes, assessing their costs, benefits, effectiveness and scalability.
• Drive the implementation of demand reduction initiatives for non-household customers, including farms, sporting irrigators and other businesses.
• Monitor and report on water savings, benefits realisation and project performance, ensuring initiatives contribute to overall demand reduction goals.
• Manage project budgets, tracking expenditure and working closely with the Water Efficiency Manager to ensure effective financial control.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, partners and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of project outcomes.
• Collaborate with teams across the business, including Customer Communications, Water Operations and Business Retail, to develop and deliver innovative solutions.
• Support the design and testing of customer campaigns, behavioural change initiatives, products, services and tariff propositions that encourage efficient water use.
• Research emerging technologies, industry best practice and water efficiency approaches to identify opportunities for future improvements.
• Develop and trial water reuse and alternative water supply solutions within the agriculture and land sectors.
• Represent the company on internal and external working groups focused on irrigation, water efficiency and demand reduction.
• Establish and maintain effective partnerships with organisations such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and Rivers Trusts.
• Lead long-term programme planning activities, ensuring robust monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of water efficiency initiatives.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
• Full UK driving license with access to a vehicle.
• Experience of planning, coordinating and delivering projects to agreed targets, budgets and timescales.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships both internally and externally.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a high level of numerical competence and attention to detail.
• Experience of customer engagement and delivering customer-focused initiatives.
• Proven project management experience, including monitoring performance, risks, costs and benefits.
• Good understanding of the water industry, water resources management and the wider regulatory landscape.
• Knowledge or experience of working within the agriculture, irrigation, land management or environmental sectors.
• Ability to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, using data and insights to inform decision-making.
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teams.

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
• 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
• 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

About Us

Salary - Competitive Salary

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

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 value and value contribution.

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.