Upstream Business Analyst

The Role

As an Upstream Business Analyst, you will support the development and delivery of strategic water initiatives, helping to drive business planning, regulatory reporting, performance management and asset strategy development.

Working with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation, you'll provide valuable insight, analysis and technical expertise to ensure the successful delivery of business objectives and regulatory commitments.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Planning & Business Improvement

• Support horizon scanning activities by identifying, analysing and communicating emerging risks, opportunities and industry drivers.
• Assist in developing, maintaining and embedding water strategies across the business.
• Help integrate strategic plans into key business frameworks including drought planning, Water Resources Management Plans (WRMP) and future business plan submissions.

Business Planning & Regulatory Support

• Support the development and delivery of Price Review Business Plan submissions.
• Coordinate contributions from multiple stakeholders and ensure high-quality content management and assurance.
• Analyse data to support performance commitments and cost adjustment claims.
• Contribute to preparations for industry and national meetings.

Performance & Asset Management

• Support the development, governance and tracking of Price Control Deliverables (PCDs).
• Provide technical support across asset planning, risk assessment and investment decision-making activities.
• Support regulatory performance reporting processes and ensure compliance with reporting methodologies.
• Act as a subject matter expert for relevant performance measures and Outcome Delivery Incentives (ODIs).

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse complex data sets to identify trends, insights and opportunities.
• Produce high-quality reports, dashboards and visualisations to support business decisions.
• Maintain robust audit trails and reporting documentation.
• Provide timely operational, strategic and performance information to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across the business and with external partners.
• Influence decision-making through effective communication of complex technical information.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic objectives.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualification or equivalent experience in a technical, engineering, numerate or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of upstream water assets, operations, asset management and business planning.
• Excellent analytical, data interpretation and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn complex information into actionable insights.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency across the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Experience in performance reporting, business planning and regulatory environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence and engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate cross-functional activities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Experience with Power BI, GIS, SQL, Exasol or other data visualisation and analytics tools would be advantageous.

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 - £51,233
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
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.