People Business Partner

Salary - Competitive

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Role Type - Fixed Term Contract

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
• Car cash allowance - £5,000
• 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

Job Purpose

At United Utilities our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for a People Business Partner who shares our values of doing the right thing, working together, and always improving.

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a values-led business that’s delivering ambitious change across the organisation, with a strong commitment to supporting our people every step of the way. You’ll be partnering closely with operational teams and working collaboratively with Senior Directors, centres of expertise and our trade union colleagues to deliver meaningful, inclusive people solutions that enable change and drive long-term success.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted partner to a key business division, delivering a strategic, forward-thinking People service whilst also getting hands on delivering key business change initiatives.
• Playing a central role in shaping and implementing people strategies that align with operational and business goals.
• Building strong, respectful relationships with our recognised trade unions, ensuring open, collaborative engagement on a range of organisational change initiatives.
• Leading and supporting people-focused change projects, including organisational design, restructuring, and workforce planning.
• Championing inclusive talent strategies, succession planning, and learning and development initiatives that support the growth and wellbeing of our people.
• Working closely with specialist HR teams to deliver best-in-class employee relations, recruitment, and capability building across the division.

Technical Skills & Experience

• A credible and experienced HR professional with a strategic mindset as well as the ability to get stuck in.
• A proven People Business Partner background at a senior business leadership level.
• Demonstrated experience of supporting complex change programmes in a unionised environment.
• A values-driven approach, with the ability to build strong partnerships across all levels of the business.
• Confidence in navigating sensitive employee relations matters and a solid understanding of employment legislation.
• Someone who thrives on collaboration, continuous improvement, and making a positive impact in a fast paced environment with varied workstreams.

• This role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorship.
• We may close this role early due to high volumes of applications.

Qualifications

• Graduate calibre and fully qualified chartered member of CIPD (or equivalent)

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.