Access & Acquisitions Manager

Job Description

The Role

Do you thrive on building trusted relationships, navigating complex negotiations and influencing major infrastructure delivery from the ground up?

We’re looking for an exceptional Access & Acquisitions Manager to lead the strategic direction of land access and acquisition activity across United Utilities’ ambitious capital programme.

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of key infrastructure projects that will have a lasting impact on communities, the environment and the North West region. You’ll lead a specialist discipline at the heart of delivery, ensuring projects have the land rights and stakeholder support needed to move forward successfully.

As the discipline lead for land access, you’ll combine technical expertise with commercial awareness, leadership and diplomacy, guiding both strategy and standards across a complex matrix organisation.

What you'll be responsible for

Discipline Leadership & Standards

• Lead the Access & Acquisition discipline, setting clear professional standards, policies and technical guidance across all land access activities.
• Provide technical leadership and expert support in relation to land access working across Capital Delivery portfolios.
• Foster a strong sense of collaboration, development and professional identity within the wider land access community.

Land Access & Acquisition Delivery

• Oversee strategies for securing land entry, easements, temporary and permanent rights, and acquisitions across the capital programme.
• Lead high-profile, complex or sensitive negotiations with landowners, agents and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all activities align with relevant legislation, governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder & Landowner Engagement

• Build trusted and lasting relationships with landowners, local authorities, agents and community representatives.
• Provide strategic advice on negotiation approaches, stakeholder sentiment and land-related risk mitigation.
• Support senior leadership in representing United Utilities at external forums and engagements.

Resource Planning & Matrix Support

• Provide oversight of capability, utilisation and resource demand across the land access discipline.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to ensure the right expertise is deployed where it adds the greatest value.
• Lead the recruitment, development and performance management of land access specialists including graduates and apprentices.

Governance, Assurance & Risk Management

• Ensure all land access activity is compliant, consistent and delivered to the highest professional standards.
• Maintain visibility of programme risks and drive proactive mitigation strategies.
• Deliver clear reporting on performance, opportunities and emerging issues.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Development

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across processes, negotiation strategies and commercial approaches.
• Develop best-practice guidance, learning resources and technical materials for the wider discipline.
• Champion professional development, accreditation pathways and continuous learning.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a commercially astute and highly credible leader who brings both technical expertise and emotional intelligence to complex stakeholder environments.

You’ll have:

• A degree in Land Management, Real Estate, Rural Practice or a related discipline
• RICS chartered membership (essential)
• Significant experience in land access, land acquisition or property negotiation within infrastructure, water or comparable sectors
• Strong knowledge of land rights legislation, compulsory purchase processes and negotiation frameworks
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a matrix environment
• Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills, including experience handling sensitive negotiations
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance customer outcomes, programme delivery and legal compliance

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who leads with professionalism, integrity and collaboration — building trust internally and externally while helping projects progress smoothly and responsibly.

Why join United Utilities?

At United Utilities, purpose is at the centre of everything we do. The projects you support will help protect the environment, improve resilience and deliver essential services to millions of people across the North West.

In return, we offer a rewarding and supportive environment where you can grow your career and make a genuine impact.

Our package includes:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• Up to 20% performance-related bonus
• £5000 Car allowance
• Comprehensive company-funded healthcare plan
• A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working

We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading inclusive employers, ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers — creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to thrive, contribute and grow.