Leakage Optimisation Manager

The Role

Are you a performance-driven leader who excels at building strong partnerships and delivering results through others?

As a Leakage Optimisation Manager, you'll lead the performance and optimisation of leakage and pressure management activities across the network. Working closely with our contract partners, you'll use data, insight, and effective relationship management to drive operational performance, ensure KPI delivery, and support achievement of our leakage targets.

Leading a team of Leakage Analysts and Leakage Technicians, you'll oversee planning, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and with customers at the heart of everything we do.

What you'll be doing

• Manage the performance of leakage delivery partners, ensuring contractual commitments, KPIs, and regulatory targets are achieved.
• Build strong relationships with contractors and internal stakeholders to drive performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver operability, pressure, and leakage targets through effective planning, monitoring, and performance management.
• Work collaboratively with Network Performance, Customer, and Network teams to achieve business and customer outcomes.
• Manage leakage-related budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery and value from our partners.
• Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring all activities are delivered in line with company and regulatory standards.
• Lead and develop the Leakage Analyst and Leakage Technician team, supporting capability and succession planning.
• Act as an escalation point for Private Leakage Repair and Defective Fittings processes where required.

What you must have

• Experience within leakage, water network operations, pressure management, or a similar operational environment.
• Good understanding of leakage management, network operability, pressure management, and associated regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing contractor or supplier performance, driving delivery against KPIs, service levels, and contractual commitments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence both internal and external partners.
• Demonstrable people leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support high-performing teams.
• Experience of managing budgets and balancing operational priorities with financial targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and insight to identify opportunities and drive performance improvements.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and confidently to a range of audiences.
• Understanding of the customer, operational, reputational, and financial impact of leakage performance.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, with the flexibility to travel across the operational area as required.

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

About Us

Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - ECCLES WWTW, EASTERN DIVN 93, ECCLES W T WORKS, PEEL GREEN, ECCLES, M30 7DR
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.

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.