Water System Outage Readiness Manager - United Utilities : Job Details

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.

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

Job Purpose

We’re looking for a dedicated professional to lead operational business readiness for major planned outages within the water system. This role is critical in ensuring that lengthy outages of key assets—such as strategic water treatment works, aqueducts, and service reservoirs—are safely and effectively managed. These outages can pose significant risks to the continuity of water supply, so careful planning and coordination are essential. You’ll play a key role in preparing the wider water network to operate at or near full capacity during these events. Projects you’ll support include high-profile programmes like the Haweswater Aqueduct Replacement Programme (HARP) and other planned infrastructure outages.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

To develop the plan and driving delivery of activities across Water Services, Water Network, Engineering and the Integrated Control Centre to ensure that the outage can go ahead with risks minimised and managed in a robust fashion.

• Coordinate planned capital and maintenance works to ensure asset availability throughout the outage period.
• Collaborate with APM teams to validate maximum capacities at water treatment works, and work with production planning and network teams to enable and test these capacities regularly.
• Lead the delivery of outage enabling works, such as flushing lines, and ensure critical spares and equipment (e.g. generators) are sourced and in place.
• Work closely with field and central teams to update contingency plans, revise risk assessments, and test their effectiveness through emergency planning and response exercises.
• Interface with capital project teams and key stakeholders—including HR and external communications—to define the operating model, deliver a clear communication plan, and ensure all parties are trained and aligned on their roles.

Technical Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Strong understanding of the full water supply operation, including resources, treatment processes, pumping systems, hydraulics, water quality standards, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce clear reports and deliver effective presentations.
• Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders across all levels of the business, supported by strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Highly organised and self-motivated, with the capability to work independently and manage multiple priorities without regular oversight.
• Sound understanding of risk management and contingency planning principles, with a strategic mindset and high level of numerical and analytical competence.

Qualifications

Desirable to be a graduate in a numerate discipline or relevant technical discipline with Professional Level membership of CIWEM or similar.

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.