Business Planning Manager

Job number UU04754 Country United Kingdom Region Cheshire West and Chester Location name Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP Posting End Date 20/03/2026 Band 4a Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary Competitive Salary

Business Planning Manager

Shape the Future of a Greener North West

Lingley Mere, Warrington

Permanent 37 hrs Hybrid

United Utilities exists to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West and our Capital Programme is at the heart of that mission. As we continue to invest in the region’s infrastructure, environment and communities, we’re looking for a confident, analytical and influential professional to help shape and manage our long term investment plans.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a FTSE 100 organisation where your work will directly influence multi‑billion‑pound programmes, regulatory outcomes and the future of water services across the region.

You’ll be part of a business that genuinely cares about doing the right thing for people, for the environment and for the communities we serve. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion and creating a workplace where everyone can grow, excel and be themselves.

You’ll also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 26 days’ holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
• Up to 10.5% performance‑related bonus
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• Gym and wellness discounts
• ShareBuy and flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave
• Mental health first aiders and employee assistance support

You’ll be joining a supportive team, a collaborative culture and a business that invests in your development.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a key member of our Investment Planning team, you’ll help develop, manage and optimise the Capital Programme Business Plan ensuring our investment portfolio is balanced, affordable and aligned to regulatory and business priorities.

You will:

• Lead the annual review of the Capital Business Plan, coordinating stakeholders to deliver a robust, optimised programme
• Maintain the programme baseline, applying change control and ensuring data accuracy
• Work closely with programme sponsors and delivery teams to mobilise and monitor projects
• Facilitate director‑level reviews and programme boards, identifying risks and driving corrective action
• Oversee Capex regulatory reporting and support submissions for programmes such as Green Recovery
• Provide high quality investment data for regulatory interactions and customer focused reporting
• Build strong relationships across Operations, Capital Delivery Teams and Finance
• Simplify complex information and present clear insights to senior leaders
• Develop a strong understanding of UU’s project delivery processes and regulatory frameworks

This role sits at the intersection of planning, finance, regulation and programme delivery ideal for someone who enjoys variety, influence and big picture thinking.

We’re looking for someone who can confidently engage senior stakeholders, interpret complex data and help shape strategic decisions. You’ll need:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from data
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Confidence working with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams
• Experience in programme planning, investment planning or financial planning
• The ability to simplify complex messages and present clear recommendations
• Creative thinking and the confidence to bring forward your own ideas
• A degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, or significant experience
• Experience in large capital programmes or regulated industries (water experience beneficial but not essential)

We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and bring credible insight from day one.

Make an Impact That Lasts

Every decision you support will help shape the future of water services, environmental protection and infrastructure investment across the North West. If you want a role where your work has real strategic impact and you enjoy working in a large, complex, purpose‑driven organisation this could be the perfect next step.