Water Network Project Engineer

-; Wigan; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management organization is seeking an engineering support professional for Network & Capital Delivery projects. This permanent, full-time role based in the Barrow-in-Furness District offers a hybrid working model. Responsibilities include providing technical support, ensuring health and safety standards, and managing project complexities. Candidates must possess at least a HNC in engineering and demonstrate excellent planning and negotiation skills. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous leave package and pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Competitive pension scheme

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum of a HNC in an engineering or relevant technical discipline.
• Technically competent and knowledgeable in streetworks practice.
• Experience in water network construction and operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and engineering support to the projects.
• Ensure highest standards of health and safety.
• Deliver quality and compliant outputs for the projects.

Skills

Technical competence

Planning and organizational skills

Problem solving

Verbal and written communication

Negotiation skills

Education

HNC in engineering or relevant technical discipline

Job description

Salary - £48,979 Work Type - Hybrid Job Location - Barrow-in-Furness District, Barrow, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom 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.

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 7.5% 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 PlanMental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Key Responsibilities

• To provide technical and engineering support to Network & Capital Delivery Projects.
• To provide construction management for the delivery of regional Network & Capital Delivery projects including the management and resolution of complex and difficult construction issues.
• To ensure that the programme of Network & Capital Deliver projects is delivered in a manner that promotes;
• World Class Health and Safety performance
• Highest standards of Customer Satisfaction
• Ensure quality and compliant outputs
• Efficient project delivery
• The monitoring and reporting of benefits
• To provide technical advice and support for all Network & Cap Delivery construction activity on the water network as part of a regional team whose boundaries will have to remain flexible, based upon the investment portfolio identified across the region.

Specific Tasks

• Attend scheduled commercial sign off meetings to agree that construction matched our design brief and was invoiced accordingly.
• Produce documented evidence as part of the Confirmation of Change Events, providing information to back-up or reject any variations to the estimated target cost.
• Provide 3rd party liaison for the Network & CD Projects with Local Authorities, Highways Agency and private land owners
• In conjunction with the Water Customer Manager, investigate and support escalated customer complaints, including liaising directly with affected customers.
• Carry out site audits to ensure the highest standards of Health & Safety and Customer satisfaction from the Partner teams.
• Act as UU representative to address, agree and advise on any consequential claims associated with Network & Capital Delivery projects and support where relevant any escalated claims from core activities and negotiate UU's liability.
• Provide technical advice to ensure potentially difficult jobs on the Network & Capital Delivery projects.
• Facilitate the delivery of the Network & Capital Delivery programme, (Pressure Maintenance Valves (PMVs), meters, diversions and mains maintenance schemes) including the chairing of pre-construction meetings for all projects.
• Facilitate planning of interruptions to supply with Network field teams.
• Ensure interruptions to supply data is registered for all Network & Capital Delivery projects.
• Ensure that the use of non-disruptive techniques is championed across Network & Capital Delivery projects.
• Responsible for the time, cost and quality of Network & Capital Delivery projects.
• Arranging handover of the sites from operations to the contractor and back to operations.
• Responsible for sign off for all 'transmittals' (request for extra costs, variations in design) in conjunction with the designer, Network Performance Engineer and Construction Partner.
• Formalise any instructions issued to the contract partner in the form of CO's signed by the WPE and contractors representative and ensure the commercial and design team are informed.
• Ensure that all CO's are backed up with a TQ to design.
• Organise any scheme final sign off and complete the Operational Handover Certificate (ATO10) as appropriate via a physical site walk to include a representative from Network Ops, i.e. TSO or Network Technician.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a HNC in an engineering or relevant technical discipline / experience.
• Technically competent and high degree of expertise in Streetworks practice and legislation
• Knowledge and experience of water network construction and operation
• CDM Client training
• Knowledge of highway reinstatement techniques and requirements
• Competent and qualified on water hygiene requirements
• Good planning and organisational and problem solving skills
• Able to manage projects and a programme of work through the water Non-Core programme
• Ability to work autonomously with minimum supervision and build a wide network of contacts and stakeholders
• High standard of verbal and written communication skills and the ability to negotiate on behalf of UU with external stakeholder

Problems Faced

Facilitating decision making where there are a number of key stakeholders with different views - to ensure project success.

Planning and Organising

Manage a dynamic portfolio of projects to ensure successful delivery to Time, Cost and Quality requirements and milestones.

Work with the Programme Manager, Project Manager, Network Performance Managers, Customer Manager, Network Manager and Network Delivery manager to plan key milestones for the construction of Network & Capital Delivery projects.

Decision Making, Authority and Control

Successfully manage resources in line with a flexible programme of works.

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.