Innovation Project Manager

Innovation Project Manager

Warrington Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects that make a real difference to the environment.
  • Company: Join United Utilities, a thriving FTSE 100 company committed to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Combine your passion for innovation with impactful engineering in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management within a technical environment is essential.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for personal and professional growth in a collaborative culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Overview

Location: Warrington, Lingley Mere (Hybrid 3 days onsite)

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Shape the Future of Wastewater Innovation in the North West

United Utilities is on a mission to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient future for our region and innovation is at the heart of that transformation. If you’re driven by delivery, thrive on turning proven ideas into large-scale reality, and want to make a tangible impact on how millions of people experience essential services, this is your opportunity.

As our Innovation Project Manager, you’ll take cutting-edge concepts and turn them into operational change. Not theoretical. Not experimental. Real solutions, rolled out at scale 30 sites, 3000 assets, region-wide adoption. You’ll be the person who makes innovation happen.

What We Offer

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

We’re building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Lead full end-to-end project delivery, ensuring time, cost and quality targets are met
  • Build and manage detailed project plans using the right tools and methodologies
  • Define scope, goals and deliverables with stakeholders across the business
  • Estimate costs, resources and feasibility for scaling proven innovations
  • Oversee day-to-day project operations and ensure compliance with governance
  • Track progress, manage budgets and take corrective action when needed
  • Identify, assess and mitigate risks, constraints and dependencies
  • Implement quality controls to ensure high-standard outcomes
  • Produce accurate documentation, reports and updates for leadership
  • Lead cross-functional teams, set clear expectations and drive collaboration
  • Navigate commercial approvals, procurement processes and operational challenges
  • Support post-implementation reviews and ensure benefits are realised
  • Drive business change embedding new processes so they become the new normal

Important note: This isn’t an engineering design role. It’s about operational change, scaling innovation, and ensuring the business adopts new ways of working.

Your Qualifications

  • Proven experience delivering end-to-end projects on time, within scope and budget
  • Experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies
  • Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
  • Confidence managing budgets, resources and competing priorities
  • Ability to lead teams and drive delivery in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Planview, JIRA, Asana, Smartsheet)
  • Understanding of project governance, risk management and quality assurance
  • Agile certifications (Scrum Master, SAFe Agilist)

Experience in utilities, finance, retail or similar sectors

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is ideal for someone who is:

  • Task-driven, structured and relentless about delivery
  • Skilled at navigating approvals, commercial processes and operational complexity
  • Comfortable making impactful decisions with real business consequences
  • Focused on ROI and benefits realisation
  • Motivated by scaling innovation not just inventing it
  • Experienced in business change and operational transformation

If you’re the kind of person who sees a challenge and thinks, “how do we make this happen?”, you’ll fit right in.

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Innovation Project Manager employer: United Utilities

United Utilities is an exceptional employer that champions innovation, sustainability, and ethical engineering within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the heart of Warrington, employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive healthcare plan, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a thriving FTSE 100 company. With a flexible hybrid working model and a commitment to making a positive impact on the North West of England, joining United Utilities means being part of a dedicated team focused on delivering meaningful change.
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Contact Detail:

United Utilities Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Innovation Project Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show your passion for innovation and sustainability, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your project management experience and how it relates to the role of Innovation Project Manager.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Project Manager

Project Management
Innovation Management
Sustainability Awareness
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Resource Allocation
Technical/Engineering Knowledge
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Governance Standards Adherence
Driving Licence (UK/EU)
Post-Graduate Qualification in Project Management
Professional Membership (e.g. ChPP, RPP, CEng)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing engineering projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission for a greener North West!

Showcase Your Passion: Don’t just list your qualifications; let us know why you’re passionate about innovation and sustainability. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows you’re serious about joining the UU family!

How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the tangible benefits your projects delivered. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.

✨Showcase Your Innovation Mindset

Since this role is all about innovation, come prepared with examples of how you've implemented creative solutions in previous projects. Think about times when you turned an idea into a practical plan, and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact it had on the project.

✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In

If possible, try to connect with someone from the company before your interview. This could be through LinkedIn or industry events. Having a contact can give you insights into the company culture and help you tailor your responses to align with their values, especially around collaboration and sustainability.

✨Prepare Questions That Matter

At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company’s mission. Ask about their current projects, how they measure success in innovation, or what challenges they foresee in the future. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their goals.

Innovation Project Manager
United Utilities
Location: Warrington

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