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- Tasks: Lead the delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a key player in essential public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 26-30 days leave, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence long-term investment outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure and make a lasting impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale capital delivery and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Lead the Delivery of Critical Infrastructure at Scale
United Utilities delivers one of the UK’s most essential public services, providing water and wastewater services to seven million people across the North West. As we move into AMP8, with a significant and complex capital investment programme, we are seeking an experienced senior capital delivery leader to take accountability for one of our most critical portfolios. This is a high‑profile senior leadership role, accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery of Water and Wastewater capital maintenance, with projected investment exceeding £1.5bn in AMP8. You will shape and lead a best‑in‑class delivery capability that consistently delivers against time, cost and quality expectations across complex, safety‑critical assets.
The Role
As Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery, you will be accountable for the full delivery lifecycle across capital maintenance programmes spanning water and wastewater networks and treatment assets. You will design, build and lead a high‑performing delivery organisation across programme management, project delivery, engineering and design disciplines. Operating at the heart of Operations, you will balance operational priorities, commercial discipline and financial control to ensure sustainable, efficient delivery — now and into future Asset Management Periods. This role requires strong executive‑level judgement, the ability to operate at scale, and confidence navigating complex trade‑offs in a highly regulated environment.
What you'll be doing
- Leadership & Capability
- Design, build and lead a multi‑disciplinary team of technical delivery professionals across programme, project and engineering disciplines
- Provide high‑quality, compassionate leadership, coaching and mentoring to develop a best‑in‑class delivery function
- Embed a strong performance culture aligned to United Utilities’ delivery standards and values
- Delivery Performance – Time, Cost & Quality
- Establish and lead best‑in‑class performance management across the full project lifecycle
- Maintain clear grip and accountability from Phase 1 Sanction through to final account and payment
- Make transparent, evidence‑based decisions to manage trade‑offs and deliver best value
- Work closely with Operations, Commercial and Finance to design a coherent, delivery‑ready capital maintenance programme across AMP8 and beyond
- Balance operational need, affordability and long‑term asset performance
- Transformation & Value for Money
- Partner with commercial colleagues to identify and realise value‑for‑money opportunities through programme‑level design and in‑flight negotiations
- Drive cost‑out initiatives, process redesign and opportunities to improve operational efficiency
- Deliver financial precision and transparency across programme base cost
What you'll bring
You are a credible senior capital delivery leader, comfortable operating at scale and influencing across complex stakeholder environments. You will bring:
- Significant experience leading large‑scale capital delivery programmes in utilities or comparable asset‑intensive sectors
- Strong supply chain and commercial expertise, including demonstrable experience across NEC contract options
- Proven leadership of high‑volume, complex project portfolios
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders up to Director, Managing Director and CEO level
- The ability to convert strategic ambition into delivery‑ready, executable programmes
Why United Utilities?
- Competitive salary and senior level performance‑related bonus
- Pension with up to 14% employer contribution
- 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support
- Hybrid working and an inclusive, values‑led culture
- A rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s largest capital maintenance portfolios
Make Your Impact
This role offers the opportunity to shape how critical infrastructure is delivered at scale, influence long‑term investment outcomes, and leave a lasting legacy across essential public services. If you are motivated by complexity, leadership and impact — we’d welcome your application.
Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery in Manchester employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re the perfect fit for leading capital maintenance delivery!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We appreciate when candidates show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in capital delivery and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your approach to leading teams and managing complex projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a high-performing team, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Numbers
Given the scale of the investment programme, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial metrics and project costs. Prepare to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles, particularly in capital delivery, and be ready to provide examples of how you ensured financial precision.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role demands strong leadership skills. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've built and led high-performing teams. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as well as how you've fostered a performance culture aligned with organisational values.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Operating in a highly regulated environment means you need to demonstrate your understanding of compliance and safety standards. Brush up on relevant regulations in the utilities sector and be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past projects.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with senior stakeholders is key in this role. Think about your experiences working with directors and executives, and prepare to discuss how you've influenced decision-making at that level. Practice articulating your strategic vision and how it translates into executable programmes.