Rainwater Management Senior Technical Lead

Job Description

Lead the technical transformation of sustainable drainage across the North West

At United Utilities, we’re pioneering innovative approaches to managing rainwater, improving resilience, enhancing the environment and supporting thriving communities. As our Senior Technical Lead (Rainwater Management), you’ll play a central role in shaping how we design and deliver sustainable, future‑proof drainage solutions.

You’ll provide senior technical leadership and subject‑matter expertise across major capital schemes, operational challenges and strategic studies. Your influence will help embed new ways of working, drive technical excellence and deliver best value for our customers and partners.

Benefits

The Role:

As our Senior Technical Lead, you will be the go‑to expert for Rainwater Management design and technical delivery. You’ll inspire and guide colleagues across the business, ensuring that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), Nature‑Based Solutions (NBS) and innovative rainwater interventions are integrated into everything we do.

You’ll represent UU at a senior technical level, provide direction across complex programmes, and unlock environmental, social and economic benefits for the region.

Job Purpose

What You’ll Do:

• Provide senior-level technical expertise for Rainwater Management solutions, including all SuDS and NBS components such as:
• Swales, rills, soakaways, bio‑retention systems, raingardens, tree pits
• Green roofs, ponds, wetlands, basins, infiltration trenches, filter drains
• Permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, reed beds and surface water separation
• Ensure designs maximise environmental, social and economic value, supporting a Natural Capital‑led approach.
• Lead the technical delivery and design management of capital and operational projects, ensuring they meet programme, budget and quality expectations.
• Drive innovation and efficiency — identifying ways to accelerate delivery, improve affordability and introduce new methods or technologies.
• Act as a senior point of technical escalation, enabling fast, informed decision‑making for project teams.
• Work across multi‑disciplinary teams to scope, investigate and develop complex multi‑functional drainage interventions that collect, infiltrate, store, treat and convey runoff.
• Explore new opportunities to manage rainwater holistically, including water reuse, water quality improvements and surface water separation.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support excellent service and partnership working.
• Support the development and delivery of Rainwater Management transformation initiatives.
• Manage and influence Design Partners and Delivery Partners to ensure high‑quality, consistent technical output.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

You’ll bring a strong combination of deep technical expertise, design leadership and passion for sustainable water management.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in an environmental or technical discipline.
• Proven experience delivering capital or strategic projects, with a track record of providing high‑quality technical guidance and design management.
• Strong passion for Rainwater Management and delivering green/blue infrastructure.
• Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of SuDS, NBS, drainage, flood risk and the wider water industry.
• Understanding of the diverse skills involved in Rainwater Management delivery, including:
  landscape architecture, geotechnical and physical geography, hydrology, ecology, modelling, hydraulics, environmental planning, NFM, drainage and water quality.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence decisions and work effectively with local authorities, regulators and partners.
• High numeracy and the ability to demonstrate best value and long‑term environmental benefits through design.

Technical Skills & Experience

What We Offer:

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to thrive.

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 4 years, plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined)
• Up to 10.5% performance‑related bonus, plus recognition awards
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• Flexible working, with three days per week on site for collaboration and flexibility around your working hours

Qualifications

About United Utilities

United Utilities’ mission is to deliver high‑quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West. As the #11 Inclusive Top 50 UK Employer, we’re proud of our commitment to diversity, innovation and creating a workplace where everyone can grow, excel and be themselves.

Join us and play a leading role in shaping the future of Rainwater Management across the region — delivering solutions that benefit communities today and for generations to come.