Programme Controller

Job Description

The role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a Programme Controller to play a key role in a high-value Totex investment programme. You’ll be responsible for monitoring and controlling regional budgets, ensuring financial performance stays on track while supporting operational delivery. Working closely with Finance, PMO, and Commercial teams, you’ll provide clear insights that support planning, forecasting, and decision-making across Network Operations.

What you'll be doing:

• Monitoring and controlling operational and capital budgets across a regional programme to meet financial targets
• Producing accurate monthly financial reports, including LBEs (Latest Best Estimates) and Values of Work
• Analysing cost and performance data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for efficiency improvements
• Partnering closely with Finance on journals, accruals, and financial governance activities
• Reconciling contractor payments against SAP data at contract level to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Supporting the development and tracking of volume-based budget builds
• Providing a clear and robust regional overview of programme performance and expenditure
• Influencing operational plans by assessing the financial impact of policy, regulatory, and budgetary changes
• Driving improved data integrity to meet regulatory reporting requirements
• Continuously reviewing performance to balance financial targets with network reliability, compliance, and customer outcomes

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in a cost control, finance, or programme environment, ideally within utilities or infrastructure
• Strong financial and analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex data and influence decision-making
• Working knowledge of SAP and advanced Excel skills, with confidence using reporting tools
• Financial or technical qualification (e.g. HNC or degree) preferred but not essential. Working towards a professional accounting qualification such as CIMA, ACCA, or AAT is also advantageous
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet strict reporting deadlines
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset

What we offer:

• 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

Salary - £48,089
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Lingley Mere, Lingley Green Avenue, Lingley Green, Warrington, WA5 3YR, United Kingdom
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.