
County Engineering Manager
Job Description
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced County Engineering Manager to provide technical leadership across a diverse and complex operational asset base.
This is a broad engineering role where no two challenges will necessarily look the same. From determining the best approach to replacing or refurbishing critical assets, through to assessing engineering risk, exploring new technologies and responding to operational incidents, you’ll help shape engineering solutions that are practical, resilient and built for the future.
What matters is that you’re an accomplished engineer who understands complex infrastructure and asset environments, can evaluate technical challenges and options, and has the confidence to provide clear engineering direction when it matters.
What you'll be doing
You’ll provide engineering expertise and leadership across a wide range of operational and asset-related challenges, working closely with operational teams, technical specialists and delivery colleagues.
A key part of the role will be understanding complex engineering problems and determining the most appropriate way forward. You’ll assess asset condition and risk, consider refurbishment and replacement options, and ensure proposed solutions are appropriately future-proofed.
You’ll explore emerging technologies, innovation and alternative engineering approaches, helping us identify opportunities to improve the resilience, performance and long-term management of our assets.
When operational incidents occur, you’ll also be a key source of engineering expertise – quickly getting to the heart of the issue, assessing risk and helping teams develop safe, effective solutions.
Alongside your technical responsibilities, you’ll lead a small team of technical professionals, creating an environment where expertise is valued, people are supported and high standards are maintained.
What we're looking for
We’re looking for someone with:
- A strong engineering background, supported by Chartered Engineer status and equivalent professional experience.
- A full UK driving license as travel across the region will be required.
- Significant experience working within complex engineering, infrastructure or asset-intensive environments.
- Experience assessing engineering problems, risks and potential technical solutions.
- A strong understanding of asset lifecycle considerations, including refurbishment, replacement and future-proofing.
- The ability to evaluate complex information and provide clear, pragmatic engineering recommendations.
- Experience working collaboratively with operational, technical and delivery teams.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience leading, developing or providing technical direction to others.
- The confidence and technical credibility to support decision-making during complex operational situations or incidents.
- An interest in innovation, emerging technologies and identifying better ways of solving engineering challenges.
Additional Information
This is a hybrid role based from Davyhulme WWTW, with travel to operational sites and locations across the North West as required.
The role also participates in a standby rota, typically involving approximately two to three days per month.
If you’re an experienced engineer who enjoys getting under the skin of complex problems, challenging conventional thinking and developing solutions that make infrastructure safer, stronger and more resilient, we’d love to hear from you.
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
- Car cash allowance - £5,000
- Up to 20% 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 - Onsite
Job Location - Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours -
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.
Other jobs you might like
Wastewater Treatment Technical Manager
Warrington, UK
Design Manager (Project Engineer)
Lancashire | Cumbria (UK)
Senior Process Engineer
Manchester, GB
Working at United Utilities

3 office days / week – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home

A little flex time