Rainwater Management Technical Lead

Job Description

Shape the future of sustainable drainage across the North West

At United Utilities, we’re transforming the way the region manages rainwater, creating greener spaces, reducing flood risk and improving resilience for communities across the North West. As our Rainwater Management Technical Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of that change, bringing your design expertise, technical know‑how and passion for nature‑based solutions to a wide range of innovative projects.

You’ll be responsible for shaping, designing and supporting the delivery of Rainwater Management solutions across our capital programme, operational teams and strategic studies, ensuring we deliver best value for our customers, stakeholders and the environment.

The Role:

As our Technical Lead, you’ll provide specialist expertise in drainage design and Rainwater Management, ensuring Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Nature‑Based Solutions (NBS) are integrated into the way we plan, design and deliver. You’ll represent UU on technical and design matters, working across multidisciplinary teams and driving innovation that supports better outcomes for the region.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide design and technical support for a wide range of Rainwater Management solutions, including SuDS and NBS components such as:
• Swales, rills, soakaways, bio‑retention systems, green roofs, raingardens, tree pits
• Ponds, wetlands, basins, infiltration trenches, filter drains
• Permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, reed beds and surface water separation
• Maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits of designs, supporting a Natural Capital approach across the programme.
• Support the technical delivery and design management of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, on budget and to a high standard.
• Drive innovation and efficiency across our Rainwater Management interventions, identifying opportunities to accelerate delivery and make solutions more affordable.
• Work collaboratively across multi‑disciplinary teams to design interventions that collect, infiltrate, convey, store, treat and control runoff across a wide range of sites.
• Explore new opportunities to manage rainwater more effectively across the system, including rainwater harvesting, reed bed systems and surface water separation.
• Maintain strong, proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders to support great service and collaborative relationships.
• Support the development and delivery of Rainwater Management transformation activities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Design Partners and Delivery Partners.

What We’re Looking For:

You’ll bring a blend of technical expertise, creativity and a passion for sustainable design.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in an environmental or relevant technical discipline.
• Experience delivering projects and providing technical or design support.
• A strong passion for Rainwater Management and green/blue infrastructure.
• Solid understanding of Rainwater Management interventions (SuDS, NBS), alongside drainage, flood risk and the broader water industry.
• Awareness of the multidisciplinary skills involved in Rainwater Management delivery, such as landscape architecture, geotechnical disciplines, hydrology, ecology, modelling, hydraulics, environmental planning, NFM and water quality.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence decisions and collaborate effectively with partners, regulators and local authorities.
• High numeracy and the ability to demonstrate best value and environmental benefits through design.

What We Offer:

We want you to feel valued, supported and motivated to do your best work.

• 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 office days a week to support collaboration, alongside flexible hours to help balance work and life

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 people can grow, excel and be themselves.

Join us and you’ll be part of an ambitious, supportive team where your skills will directly influence the region’s environmental future and the way we manage rainwater for years to come.