Forecasting and Insights Analyst

The Role

As a Forecasting & Insights Analyst at United Utilities, you'll be at the heart of decisions that help us deliver an exceptional service to millions of customers. Using data to anticipate future demand, identify emerging trends and uncover opportunities for improvement, you'll provide the insight that enables our operational teams to plan effectively, respond proactively and perform at their best.

Working within a fast-paced operational environment, you'll analyse large and complex datasets to understand performance, forecast future activity and support business-critical decision making. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the business, translating data into clear, actionable insights that drive efficiency, optimise resources and improve customer outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, challenging assumptions and using analytical thinking to influence real-world decisions.

What you'll be doing

• Forecasting & Planning: Develop and maintain short and long-term demand forecasts using historical data, business trends and predictive analytics to support operational planning and resource optimisation.
• Insight & Performance Analysis: Analyse large and complex datasets to identify trends, monitor KPIs and provide actionable insights that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Stakeholder Partnership: Work closely with planning, operations and customer service teams to understand business requirements, challenge assumptions and ensure forecasts align with operational needs.
• Reporting & Data Visualisation: Create and maintain dashboards, reports and presentations that communicate performance, risks and opportunities clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Scenario Modelling: Conduct what-if analysis to assess the impact of changing demand, operational performance and external factors, helping the business plan effectively for the future.
• Forecast Accuracy & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate forecasting performance, investigate variances and identify opportunities to improve forecasting methodologies, reporting efficiency and data quality.
• Data Storytelling: Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling recommendations that influence decision-making and drive business performance.

What we're looking for

We're looking for an analyst who can demonstrate experience using data to support operational planning and business decision-making within a fast-paced environment.

• Proven experience in a forecasting, planning, workforce management, business intelligence or insight’s role.
• Full UK Driving license is required for this role.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets to identify trends, develop forecasts and support business-critical decisions.
• Strong Excel skills, including advanced formulas, data manipulation and analysis of high-volume data.
• Hands-on experience creating reports, dashboards and visualisations using tools such as Power BI, Tableau or similar.
• Confidence interrogating and analysing data from multiple sources to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience monitoring performance metrics, identifying emerging trends and translating findings into actionable insight.
• Ability to communicate complex analytical findings clearly and influence stakeholders at different levels of the organisation.
• Familiarity with SQL, Python, R or other analytical tools used for data extraction, modelling and analysis.
• Experience working in an analytical, forecasting, planning or business intelligence capacity within a customer operations, utilities or similar operational environment would be advantageous

Please note: This role requires demonstrable experience analysing business data and producing forecasting or operational insights within a commercial environment. We're particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with large datasets to support planning, forecasting and performance improvement.

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 Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

About Us

"Salary - £48,089
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."