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- Tasks: Lead environmental permitting and ensure compliance with regulations for water quality.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and wellness discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection and sustainability in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulatory environments and strong understanding of wastewater assets required.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ 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
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, 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 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 employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environment Permitting Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those at United Utilities. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance. We want to see your passion for environmental protection shine through, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with data management and project planning. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to handle complex information and work collaboratively on projects that align with regulatory requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Environment Permitting Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with environmental regulations and permitting. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Environment Permitting Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for environmental protection shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about compliance and sustainability, so share any projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in that demonstrate this commitment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the position right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Environmental Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest environmental regulations and compliance standards relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how these impact operational activities will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about environmental protection.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves managing water quality data, be prepared to talk about your experience with data systems like SharePoint and Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to support reporting or insights in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to permit management or regulatory changes. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to influence discussions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with the Environment Agency. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and consider how you can demonstrate your ability to maintain strong relationships with stakeholders during the interview.
