Environmental Programme Manager

The Role This role plays a critical part in turning environmental commitments and regulatory obligations into well-governed programmes that deliver tangible results. You will be responsible for translating strategic priorities into clear delivery plans, ensuring environmental initiatives are effectively managed, resourced and delivered to achieve business objectives.

Working across both strategic and operational teams, you will provide oversight of environmental programmes, monitor performance, manage risks and ensure benefits are realised. Acting as a key link between Environmental Services managers and operational teams, you will help drive accountability, provide assurance on programme delivery and support the business in meeting its regulatory and environmental commitments.

What You'll Be Doing

• Convert environmental strategies, regulatory commitments and policy direction into practical delivery plans and measurable outcomes.
• Lead the performance and governance of assigned environmental portfolios, ensuring programmes remain on track and deliver expected benefits.
• Monitor progress against targets, identify risks, issues and dependencies, and coordinate effective mitigation plans.
• Provide robust performance reporting, programme assurance and insight to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure strategic priorities are embedded into day-to-day activities and decision-making.
• Coordinate resources, priorities and delivery activities to maximise programme success.
• Measure, track and report on environmental outcomes, operational performance and programme benefits.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues across Environmental Services and operational functions to support successful delivery.
• Use data and performance insights to identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the organisation in meeting regulatory requirements while delivering environmental improvements that provide long-term business value.

What We're Looking For

• Experience of translating regulatory, environmental or business strategy into practical delivery plans and measurable outcomes.
• Strong programme, portfolio or project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and dependencies.
• Ability to monitor performance, analyse data and use insight to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Experience identifying, managing and mitigating risks within complex operational or environmental programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across both strategic and operational teams.
• Experience developing performance reports, governance packs and programme assurance information for senior leaders.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate resources and deliver against challenging timescales.
• Confidence working with environmental, regulatory or operational performance measures and targets.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and actionable messages.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build trusted relationships and drive accountability across teams.

Essential Experience

• Experience of delivering programmes or portfolios in a regulated environment.
• Experience working with operational teams to implement strategic initiatives and business improvements.
• Experience using performance data and KPIs to monitor delivery, identify risks and measure success.
• Experience reporting progress, risks and outcomes to senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the UK water industry, environmental regulation or environmental performance frameworks.
• Relevant qualification in environmental management, programme management, project management or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting regulatory commitments, business planning or environmental improvement programmes.

Please note that interviews have been provisionally scheduled for w/c 9th November, and shortlisted candidates should aim to make themselves available during this period. 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 10.5% 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

About Us "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."