At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental permitting and ensure compliance with regulations while managing water quality data.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company dedicated to sustainable water services in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, a competitive pension, performance bonuses, and wellness discounts.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection and work in a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience in regulatory environments with strong data management skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary
£48,979
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
5.0 Day per Week
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 7.5% 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
Job Purpose
Are you passionate about environmental protection, policy and regulation? Do you want to play a vital role in ensuring that operational activities across United Utilities remain legally compliant, sustainable and future ready?
As our Environmental Permitting Lead, you’ll take ownership of how we interpret, manage and act on environmental discharge permit requirements. You’ll collect, analyse and manage essential water quality data, ensuring that our environmental permits‑for treated water and storm flow discharges are robust, appropriate, and aligned to both legal obligations and the needs of our operations.
You’ll act as the trusted link between the business and the Environment Agency, managing permit payments and ensuring that every invoice is accurate and justified from both a legal and financial perspective. Beyond the transactional, you’ll shape how we approach environmental regulation across the business‑offering expert guidance on Environmental Agency policy, consultations and evolving compliance standards.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Ensure the business holds the correct water quality discharge permits to operate within legal and regulatory frameworks
- Lead on negotiating, obtaining, and managing environmental permits, including proactive renewal and submission processes.
- Advise on the impact of changes in flow/load and how they affect discharge permit requirements.
- Collaborate with project teams to align capital schemes with EA regulatory requirements and permit deadlines.
- Monitor EA permits costs and validate charges, providing budget updates to the Environment Permitting Manager.
- Maintain effective communication with the Environment Agency and internal team to ensure compliance, data accuracy and alignment on regulatory commitments.
- Develop and manage systems and communications to track permits, support regulatory returns, and increase business understanding of permit obligations.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Full UK driving license – travel to operational sites and meetings as required.
- Demonstrable experience working in a regulatory business or environment, with a solid understanding of compliance and permitting frameworks.
- Strong understanding of wastewater assets, particularly in relation to environmental regulation; knowledge of water, bioresources, and energy assets is a plus.
- Experience in programme planning and/or project management within a regulated environment.
- Proven ability to influence regulatory discussions and shape permitting procedures and guidance.
- Advanced working knowledge of SharePoint, Excel, and relevant data systems – confident in manipulating data to support reporting and insights.
This role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorship
About Us
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.
Environment Permitting Lead in Warrington employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a generous benefits package, including 26 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to a sustainable future for the North West of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environment Permitting Lead in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest environmental regulations and compliance standards relevant to water quality discharge permits. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the environmental sector, especially those who have experience with the Environment Agency. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed environmental permits or compliance projects in the past. Highlighting your practical experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your data management skills, particularly with tools like SharePoint and Excel. Being able to manipulate and analyse data effectively is crucial for this role, so be ready to discuss your proficiency during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Environment Permitting Lead in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Environment Permitting Lead position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in regulatory environments and compliance frameworks. Mention specific projects or roles where you've successfully managed environmental permits or worked with the Environment Agency.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your advanced knowledge of data systems like SharePoint and Excel. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to support reporting and insights in previous roles.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for environmental protection and your understanding of the company's mission. Discuss how your values align with those of United Utilities and how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current environmental regulations and permitting frameworks relevant to the water industry. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in this area will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Data Management Skills
Since the role involves managing water quality data, be prepared to discuss your experience with data systems like SharePoint and Excel. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully manipulated data to support reporting and insights.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to negotiate permits or manage compliance issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a liaison between the business and the Environment Agency, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex regulatory information to various stakeholders in previous roles.
