Head of Bioresource Operations

We’re looking for an inspiring, commercially astute and strategically driven leader to take accountability for our entire regional Bioresource Operations, a £40m business with significant impact across our customers, communities and the environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a large, technically complex operation (approx. 240 colleagues), drive transformational change, and ensure we deliver safe, compliant, efficient and industry‑leading bioresource services.

As our Regional Bioresources Operations Lead, you will take end‑to‑end ownership of the regional Bioresources Business Plan, ensuring we deliver outstanding operational performance, regulatory compliance and cost‑efficient service. You’ll set direction, inspire high‑performing teams, and act as the key interface with the wider Wastewater business. You will also be named as the senior Fleet Operator on our Transport Operator Licence, shaping a safe, compliant and efficient logistics strategy for the movement of wastewater, sludge and biosolids. This role is at the forefront of our transformation agenda, driving improved performance, supporting long‑term strategic growth, and contributing to a simpler, smarter, better operational future.

What You’ll Lead & Deliver:

• Operational Excellence & Strategy
  • Build and deliver the regional Bioresources Business Plan, balancing cost, service, compliance and people.
  • Own a significant operating budget (approx. £40m) and drive TOTEX‑efficient delivery across all activities.
  • Translate company strategy into operational plans, budgets and change programmes.
• Leadership & Culture
  • Inspire and develop approx. 240 colleagues, cultivating a culture aligned to our values and strategic vision.
  • Champion Health, Safety & Wellbeing, embedding a robust safety culture and managing process safety risks across all assets.
• Asset, Compliance & Performance Management
  • Lead all operational and maintenance activity across a complex regional asset base.
  • Ensure governance and compliance across risk, security, contingency, business continuity and regulatory frameworks.
  • Drive delivery of carbon reduction interventions supporting AMP8 environmental performance.
  • Act as primary regional liaison with the Wastewater business, ensuring seamless, integrated service delivery.
  • Manage key relationships with internal and external partners to optimise cost, quality and risk.
  • Represent the organisation at industry forums, conferences and round tables to influence policy and raise our profile.
  • Lead regional logistics and inter‑site transport strategy, ensuring full compliance with the Operator Licence.
  • Oversee biosolids disposal through our Agricultural Services team, achieving lowest‑cost / compliant outcomes.
  • Manage capital investment (c. £10m/year reactive CAPEX) and support long‑term TOTEX planning.

Extensive senior operational leadership experience within a complex, regulated or industrial environment. A proven track record in business performance management, budget ownership and continuous improvement. Strong knowledge of the bioresources sector and wider utilities marketplace. Experience developing and translating strategy into operational plans and budgets. Demonstrable success leading large teams and building high‑performance cultures. Strong commercial and stakeholder management capability, ideally with experience managing major contracts. Deep experience in asset‑intensive operations and investment planning. Proven change leadership experience, delivering transformation at scale. Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

What we offer:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays.
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme.

At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. In-person attendance is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work‑life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

About United Utilities:

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high‑quality 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 are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. 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.