Planning, Landscape ,Ecology and Land Access (PLEA) Delivery Lead

Job Description

The Role

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on turning complexity into progress? Do you enjoy bringing people, projects and priorities together to unlock successful delivery at pace? If so, this could be your next big move.

We’re looking for a Planning, Landscape ,Ecology and Land Access (PLEA) Delivery Lead to become the driving force behind project-enablement activity across a major Capital Delivery portfolio. Acting as the trusted partner to our Capital Delivery Directors, you’ll provide leadership across planning, ecology, landscape and land access, , ensuring our programmes move forward efficiently, responsibly and with lasting community impact.

This is more than a delivery role. It’s an opportunity to shape infrastructure that matters, lead high-profile programmes and influence how we build a greener, more sustainable future across the North West.

What you'll be responsible for

Leadership within the delivery portfolio

• Act as the strategic enabling lead for the Capital Delivery Director, translating programme needs into clear, coordinated action across planning, land access, ecology and landscaping.
• Lead with confidence to remove barriers, protect key milestones and keep delivery moving.
• Build strong partnerships with discipline leads to ensure consistency, governance and technical excellence across every project.

Planning, Landscape, Ecology and Land Access

• Oversee planning applications, consents and engagement activities.
• Deliver land access strategies, negotiations and associated legal processes.
• Manage ecological surveys, constraints, mitigation and environmental compliance.
• Coordinate landscaping and design strategies that help secure planning success and strengthen community relationships.

Workload, Demand & Resource Control

• Maintain a clear, real-time view of workload and demand across all enabling activities.
• Balance competing priorities across complex projects using a transparent, risk-based approach.
• Monitor utilisation, cost and capacity, identifying risks and pressures early.
• Collaborate with discipline leads on resource planning, capability growth and performance expectations.

Third-Party and Specialist Providers

• Manage relationships with external consultants and specialist partners.
• Ensure spend, scope and performance deliver true value for money.
• Support the development of a flexible, high-performing supply chain alongside procurement and discipline leads.

Governance, Assurance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with planning law, land rights legislation and environmental regulations.
• Provide clear, executive-level reporting on enablement progress, risks and resource requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across enabling activities.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a confident and commercially aware leader who can bring clarity to complexity and inspire collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Technical expertise

• Strong expertise in at least one core enabling discipline.
• Broad understanding across planning, land access, ecology and landscaping.
• Experience navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.

Leadership & influence

• Proven ability to lead within a matrix environment.
• Skilled at influencing senior leaders, regulators, consultants and landowners alike.
• A decisive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to balance risk, compliance and delivery priorities.

Programme, commercial & resource acumen

• Strong understanding of capital delivery and programme management.
• Experience in resource planning, utilisation and cost management.
• Confidence managing third-party consultants and specialist providers.

Behaviours that Matter

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Calm under pressure and naturally collaborative
• Trusted, transparent and relationship-driven
• Passionate about environmental stewardship and community impact
• Able to simplify complexity and communicate with clarity, warmth and credibility

Why Join United Utilities

At United Utilities, the work you do genuinely matters. Every project contributes to healthier communities, environmental sustainability and the future resilience of the North West.

In return, we’ll invest in you with a package designed to support your career, wellbeing and life outside work:

• 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 Annual Car Allowance
• Comprehensive company-funded healthcare plan
• A genuine commitment to flexible and hybrid working
• Opportunities to grow, innovate and shape your career in a purpose-led organisation

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