Operations Manager (Capital Delivery Operations)

Make an impact where it matters

At United Utilities, we're responsible for delivering essential water and wastewater services across the North West, helping our communities, economy and environment thrive.

We're looking for an Operations Manager to help bring clarity, coordination and momentum to a busy and high-profile business area. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, driving performance, improving ways of working and supporting senior leaders to deliver great outcomes.

You'll play a pivotal role in keeping the business unit running effectively, connecting people, processes and priorities to ensure teams can perform at their best.

Whether your experience comes from infrastructure, utilities, engineering, operations, project delivery or another complex environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do:

As Operations Manager, you'll be the trusted partner to the Business Unit Director, providing operational leadership, business insight and coordination across a dynamic function.

You'll:

Drive operational excellence

• Maintain visibility of workload, resources, performance and operational risks.
• Coordinate business activities to ensure priorities are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Lead reporting, planning and governance cycles across the business unit.
• Support teams to improve processes, remove barriers and deliver consistently high standards.

Turn data into insight

• Develop and manage meaningful performance reporting and management information.
• Analyse trends and performance data to support informed decision-making.
• Track business actions and ensure commitments are delivered.
• Provide insight and recommendations to support operational and strategic priorities.

Support leadership and strategy

• Act as a trusted adviser to the Business Unit Director and leadership team.
• Lead business improvement initiatives, projects and workstreams.
• Prepare high-quality papers, presentations and communications for senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate leadership meetings, actions and follow-up activities.

Build strong partnerships

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Capital Delivery Operations and the wider business.
• Support cross-functional programmes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help create consistency, alignment and knowledge sharing across teams.

Champion people and culture

• Support workforce planning, onboarding and capability development activities.
• Organise team engagement events, workshops and communications.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture where everyone can succeed.

What we're looking for

We're interested in your potential as much as your experience. If you meet most of the requirements below, we'd encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Experience coordinating operations, business management, programme delivery or performance management activities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and identify meaningful insights.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at a range of levels.
• Experience producing reports, presentations or management information that supports decision-making.

Desirable

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience working within a regulated, operational or infrastructure-focused environment.
• Familiarity with governance, business planning or performance frameworks.
• Experience using reporting tools, dashboards or data visualisation techniques.

Why join us?

At United Utilities, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work that helps millions of people every day. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, included and able to reach their full potential.

We offer:

• 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
• Car allowance
• Company-funded healthcare plan
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth

About United Utilities

United Utilities proudly serves the North West, delivering high-quality water and wastewater services that support healthier communities, a stronger economy and a greener environment.

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading inclusive employers and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities and are dedicated to creating an inclusive recruitment process that's accessible to all.