Drainage & Wastewater Planning Manager

Salary - Competitive Salary

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."

Benefits

• 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 20% 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

Join United Utilities as a Drainage and Wastewater Planning Manager

Are you ready to lead a vital part of the future of wastewater infrastructure? At United Utilities, we’re looking for a passionate, experienced Drainage and Wastewater Planning Manager to head up the development and delivery of our Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMP), setting industry leading standards that will shape the next 25 years of sustainable wastewater management.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, inspire, and develop our expert team to deliver a robust, forward-thinking DWMP that supports long-term infrastructure investment and resilience.
• Champion the production and continuous improvement of DWMP, ensuring it meets all statutory requirements and aligns with the next price review.
• Manage comprehensive assessments of our wastewater network — identifying risks, uncertainties, and opportunities — to inform strategic investment decisions.
• Navigate complex regulatory frameworks, collaborating with key stakeholders, including regulators and industry bodies, to secure necessary funding and approvals.
• Leverage your specialist wastewater knowledge and understanding of drainage, treatment, and infrastructure planning to drive innovation and best practices.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Proven experience within the water industry, specifically in wastewater management and infrastructure planning.
• Strong expertise in drainage and wastewater regulations, treatment processes, and statutory deliverables.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver large-scale strategic plans.
• A forward thinker who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about driving sustainable solutions.
• Ability to engage confidently with regulators and industry partners such as Ofwat to secure investment and compliance.

This role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorship.

To ensure that each applicant receives a quality service we may close this role early if we receive high volumes of applications so we encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity.

About the Team

Join a team committed to excellence and innovation in wastewater management. Your work here will directly contribute to the wellbeing of communities and the environment for decades to come. If you’re ready to lead the way in shaping the future of wastewater planning, we want to hear from you.

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.