Environmental Regulatory Relations Manager

Role details

"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
• £5000 Annual Car Allowance
• 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
  
  

Job Purpose

At United Utilities, we’re on a mission to deliver high‑quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West.

As our new Environmental Regulatory Relations Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping our relationship with the Environment Agency (EA) and ensuring we present clear, constructive and evidence‑led positions on the issues that matter.

This is an influential role where no two days are the same, from leading regulatory discussions and preparing senior leaders for key engagements, to helping the organisation stay aligned and informed in a fast‑moving regulatory landscape.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be the central point of contact for our day‑to‑day interactions with the EA, making sure our engagement is coordinated, consistent and collaborative.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Regulatory liaison: Act as the primary contact for routine EA engagement at both national and local levels, organising and attending meetings, briefings and site visits
• Stakeholder coordination: Prepare internal teams, including operations, asset management, legal and communications, to ensure aligned messaging and strong representation.
• Evidence & submissions: Lead the collection, assurance and submission of evidence and documentation for regulatory interactions and consultations.
• Horizon scanning: Monitor new guidance, short‑term policy changes and EA priorities, ensuring the right people across UU are kept informed.
• Representation: Attend industry working groups, forums and workshops on behalf of UU.
• Relationship building: Develop constructive, professional relationships with EA contacts, supporting timely resolution of regulatory matters.
• Process improvement: Create and manage templates, checklists and SOPs to streamline and strengthen regulatory engagement.

Record keeping: Maintain comprehensive logs, meeting records and action trackers to ensure transparency and audit readiness.

Technical Skills & Experience

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking someone who can bring credibility, clarity and confidence to our regulatory relationships.

You’ll need:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental science, environmental management or a related technical/regulatory discipline.
• Hands‑on experience in regulatory‑facing roles within the water sector, utilities or another highly regulated industry.
• Strong coordination skills, with experience preparing briefings for operational and senior audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Clear, concise communication, able to translate complex technical info into straightforward messages.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple requests.
• High attention to detail across document preparation, evidence handling and version control.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to escalate issues appropriately.

Influencing skills, particularly when securing timely contributions from internal teams.

Working knowledge of water industry regulation and relevant environmental guidance.

Familiarity with regulatory processes, statutory deadlines and enforcement terminology

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental science, environmental management or a related technical/regulatory discipline.
  
  

Other

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.

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