Regulatory Operational Performance Manager (Water)

At United Utilities, we keep the North West flowing with safe, reliable water and wastewater services that support communities, protect the environment and enable a greener future. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Regulatory Operational Performance Manager within Water Services.

This is a high impact leadership role at the heart of our regulatory performance. You will shape how we deliver environmental reporting, influence strategic decision making, and strengthen our relationships with key regulators. You will be a confident and credible leader, able to inspire high performing teams, influence at senior levels, and consistently deliver results in a complex, fast paced environment. With a forward thinking approach, you will anticipate challenges, adapt quickly to change, and operate with autonomy while exercising sound judgement on when to escalate.

Job Purpose

Drive the delivery of environmental regulatory reporting across Water Services, ensuring compliance is robust, performance is well managed, and outcomes consistently meet the expectations of our stakeholders and United Utilities.

Lead, develop and empower a team of analysts to deliver high quality operational reporting and regulatory returns that stand up to scrutiny. You will create a performance focused culture, where clear accountability, strong collaboration and continuous improvement enable the team to consistently meet and exceed regulatory targets.

Key Accountabilities

• Inspire and lead the Regulatory Operational Performance team, embedding a strong culture, upholding company values, and enhancing United Utilities’ reputation
• Oversee regulatory reporting to the Environment Agency and Ofwat, ensuring high quality data and clear interpretation of regulatory requirements into actionable business outcomes
• Identify regulatory performance risks early and coordinate the development and delivery of targeted performance improvement plans
• Provide a clear and confident view of performance against regulatory targets, enabling focused action and continuous improvement across Water Services
• Partner with Water Services teams to proactively manage regulatory performance and emerging issues, including supporting the management of pollution incidents and engagement with the Environment Agency
• Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with the Environment Agency to secure the best outcomes for United Utilities
• Ensure all team activity meets legal and company standards, with a strong focus on health and safety and risk reduction, while acting as the subject matter expert for water compliance and environmental risk

Skills and Experience

• Strong technical understanding of water processes across catchment and network operations, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a regulatory context
• Solid experience within a regulated environment, with in depth knowledge of environmental regulations and their practical application
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, meaningful insights that drive understanding and action across the business
• Creative and analytical thinking, with the ability to anticipate risks, adapt to change and solve problems effectively
• Strong commitment to legal compliance and maintaining a safe working environment through effective health and safety leadership
• Experience engaging with the Environment Agency or operating within a highly regulated industry

Why This Role

This is more than a leadership role, it is a chance to shape how regulatory excellence is defined and delivered across a critical public service. You will sit at the centre of key decisions, influencing performance at scale, strengthening regulator relationships, and driving outcomes that directly impact the environment and millions of customers.

You will have the autonomy to lead with confidence, the platform to influence at senior level, and the opportunity to build and elevate a team that delivers real, measurable impact. Every improvement you drive will contribute to a greener, healthier North West.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution and life cover
• Performance related bonus of up to 7.5% plus recognition awards
• Company funded healthcare plan and wellbeing support including mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to discounts, gym savings, and flexible benefits through MORE Choices
• Financial wellbeing support including Salary Finance and Wealth at Work
• Electric vehicle scheme and ShareBuy options
• Enhanced parental leave

If you are ready to take ownership, lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply now.