Head of Water Operations

The Role

Cumbria is a special place, and provides the source of drinking water for over 35% of the population of the North West of England. We’re looking for a dynamic leader to drive delivery and performance across the Cumbria area, ensuring the successful execution of the county production plan for drinking water across the county. In this pivotal role, you’ll have full accountability for an annual operational and capital expenditure budget of up to £20 million, balancing efficiency, water quality compliance, and customer service. The role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of drinking water is produced from our catchment land, through our reservoirs and treatment works. Leading a team of up to 100 people who have a range of professional skills, you will need to motivate and inspire the team to work together to deliver an excellent service for our customers and stakeholders whilst establishing and maintaining a world class safety culture.

You’ll lead a team of operational managers, inspiring high performance and collaboration, while taking ownership of key projects and strategic initiatives across the county on behalf of the County Business Leader for Cumbria. This is a senior leadership position where your ability to influence, innovate, and deliver results will shape the future of our operations. You will need to be able to influence and work effectively with people at all levels outside of your direct team.

Role Accoutabilities

• Lead operational excellence across Cumbria, driving delivery and performance to achieve the county production plan for water.
• Take full accountability for an annual operational expenditure budget of up to £20 million, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Providing resolution to complex problems utilising the technical capabilities from across a number of teams.
• Inspire and manage a team of operational managers, fostering collaboration and high performance across diverse functions.
• Own and deliver strategic projects and initiatives across the county.
• Play a key leadership role in shaping future operations, influencing change and driving continuous improvement.
• Inspire people to get the most effective and productive performance from the Operations team whilst improving engagement, individual career progression and team working.
  
  

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience managing large-scale operational teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects.
• Full UK driving license is required as regional travel is required.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable delivery plans that drive performance across a wide geographic area.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with a track record of managing multi-million-pound budgets and achieving cost efficiencies.
• Expertise in leading and inspiring operational managers, fostering collaboration and accountability to deliver high-impact results.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, capable of engaging at executive level and across diverse functions.
• Deep understanding of regulated environments and customer-focused operations, ideally within utilities or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to drive transformation and continuous improvement, embedding proactive approaches and operational excellence.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with confidence in representing the business on strategic projects and initiatives both internally and externally.
• High-level problem-solving and decision-making capability, with resilience and adaptability to manage complex challenges.
  
  

About Us

Salary - Competitive

Work Type - Onsite

Job Location - Kendal - Kent House, Mintsfeet Road South, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6ND

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

Working Hours -

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
  
  

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.