Production Manager - Wastewater
Added 23 Sept · still live
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
£64,000 / year
Salary
Within the market range
£55,000
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.2×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1121 (63% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £55,000, and United Utilities is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 1123 (Production managers and directors in mining and energy) or SOC 1139 (Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
Your salary route
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing Most likely code | £38,500 Clears | £44,000 Clears | £49,500 Clears | £55,000 Clears |
1123 Production managers and directors in mining and energy Also possible | £37,800 Clears | £43,200 Clears | £48,600 Clears | £54,000 Clears |
1139 Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified Also possible | £52,300 Clears | £59,700 Clears | £67,200 Misses | £74,700 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
The Role
We’re looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to join our team, leading the operation and maintenance of our wholesale assets across the Barrow production site, with occasional visits to surrounding locations as required.
In this key leadership role, you’ll be accountable for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our production operations. With a strong focus on health and safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, you’ll take ownership of budgets, maintenance strategies, and delivery against our business plan.
You’ll lead a team of Process Operators, Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers, and Apprentices, and play a vital role in shaping a positive, high-performing culture. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, you’ll ensure asset issues are identified and resolved quickly, while also maintaining strong external relationships with partners and suppliers.
Progression Opportunities
This role offers excellent potential for career development within United Utilities. As a Production Manager, you will gain comprehensive exposure to all aspects of operational management, including leadership, compliance, asset performance, and strategic planning. This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for progression into more senior operational leadership roles within the business.
We’ve seen individuals in similar roles successfully progress to positions such as Treatment Delivery Manager, Network Delivery Manager and onto County Business Leader, demonstrating the clear pathways available for ambitious leaders.
What You'll Be Doing
We’re looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to join our team, leading the operation and maintenance of our wholesale assets across the Barrow production site, with occasional visits to surrounding locations as required.
In this key leadership role, you’ll be accountable for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our production operations. With a strong focus on health and safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, you’ll take ownership of budgets, maintenance strategies, and delivery against our business plan.
You’ll lead a team of Process Operators, Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers, and Apprentices, and play a vital role in shaping a positive, high-performing culture. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, you’ll ensure asset issues are identified and resolved quickly, while also maintaining strong external relationships with partners and suppliers.
Progression Opportunities
This role offers excellent potential for career development within United Utilities. As a Production Manager, you will gain comprehensive exposure to all aspects of operational management, including leadership, compliance, asset performance, and strategic planning. This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for progression into more senior operational leadership roles within the business.
We’ve seen individuals in similar roles successfully progress to positions such as Treatment Delivery Manager, Network Delivery Manager and onto County Business Leader, demonstrating the clear pathways available for ambitious leaders.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the operation and maintenance of wholesale assets across the designated production area.
- Maintaining site operations and associated budgets, including maintenance expenditure.
Advertisement
What We're Looking For
- A full UK driving license is essential for travel across the production areas.
- Strategic Leadership-Proven ability to lead, inspire and drive operational team performance, while embedding a positive and accountable team culture.
- Operational Planning & Clear Communication-Skilled in creating and delivering clear operational plans, with the confidence to communicate effectively at all levels, including in high-pressure or consultative environments.
- 24/7 Operational Awareness- Experience managing services that run around the clock, with a strong understanding of prioritisation, responsiveness and safety in a continuous operation environment.
- Problem Solving & Risk Response-Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify asset issues early and take swift, appropriate action-whether directly or through escalation.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset-Committed to driving ongoing improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health & safety, while actively sharing best practices across teams and departments.
- 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 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Workington Wastewater Treatment Works, Maryport Road, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 1NW
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with United Utilities, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Production managers and directors in manufacturing (SOC 1121) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~434k in sampleSOC 1121
- Offer £64,000
- Middle half £41,236–82,680
- Median £56,940
- Going rate £55,000
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,500–49,500
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£41,236–82,680), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at United UtilitiesAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. United Utilities holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1121 going rate of £55,000. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.