DNM Performance Engineer (WW Treatment) in Preston

At United Utilities, we are transforming how wastewater systems are managed by putting insight and foresight at the centre of every decision. Dynamic Network Monitoring (DNM) and our evolving Dynamic Treatment Management (DTM) capability are key to this transformation, providing a real-time, data-driven view across our networks and treatment works and enabling smarter, end-to-end operational control.

As part of an expanding Operational Intelligence team in Blackburn, we are looking for a DNM Performance Engineer who is driven to use data to stay ahead of issues, not react to them. Reporting to the DNM Optimisation Manager, this is a newly created role driven by growth, offering the chance to shape smarter, more proactive operations. You will work alongside a small team of DNM Performance Engineers, each responsible for a defined geographical area, and partner closely with highly experienced network maintenance and treatment maintenance teams. Together, you will turn data into insight and insight into action, contributing to a more predictive, whole-system approach to performance across both networks and treatment.

Job Purpose

As a DNM Performance Engineer, you will act as the custodian of alert logic across our wastewater network and treatment works within the DNM framework. Your focus is not just on generating alerts but truly understanding them. This role is about deciphering what alerts are telling us, breaking down complex data into clear meaning, and defining how the business should respond. You will ensure that alerts translate into the right actions at the right time, enabling teams to intervene early and prevent issues before consequences occur. By combining continuous monitoring, performance trends and operational knowledge, you will improve alert quality so that it drives confident decision making. Your work will directly reduce service failures, minimise pollution risk and strengthen operational resilience across both network and treatment assets.

Alongside DNM, you will play a key role in supporting the development of Dynamic Treatment Management, helping to extend data-led decision making into treatment processes and ensuring a joined-up, whole-system approach to performance optimisation. You will also embed strong performance management processes so that alerts consistently deliver value, supporting a shift from reactive response to proactive and predictive management.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Alert performance, assurance and governance: Own and optimise DNM alert logic so signals are clear, meaningful and drive the right operational response. Establish governance frameworks that ensure alerts are consistent, reliable and aligned with operational priorities.
• Dynamic Treatment Management development: Support the development and embedding of Dynamic Treatment Management capabilities, ensuring alignment with DNM principles. Use data and operational insight to improve treatment performance, optimise process control and reduce risk across treatment works. Contribute to a whole-system view, linking network and treatment performance to drive better operational outcomes.
• Continuous improvement and future development: Use data and insight to continuously improve how alerts are interpreted and how responses are defined. Identify opportunities to enhance DNM and DTM capability and strengthen predictive performance.
• Data quality and systems ownership: Champion data accuracy and integrity to ensure decisions are based on trusted information. Maintain ownership of DNM systems to maximise their effectiveness and operational impact.
• Stakeholder engagement and technical leadership: Work closely with network maintenance and treatment maintenance teams to translate alerts into practical, timely action. Provide technical leadership that breaks down complex data into clear insight and influences consistent responses.
• Incident, reporting and regulatory support: Use DNM and DTM insight to strengthen incident understanding and improve how events are managed. Support reporting and regulatory compliance through clear, data-led analysis and interpretation.

Technical Skills and Experience

• HNC in civil or process engineering, or significant hands-on experience within wastewater network or treatment operations, with strong knowledge of day-to-day maintenance and operational practices.
• Experience within wastewater or wastewater treatment environments is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving capability with confident use of IT systems and a good understanding of how they support operational performance.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, meaningful insight for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Highly developed analytical skills with the ability to interpret, break down and present data in a way that drives understanding and action.

Why This Role

This is a role for someone who enjoys making sense of complexity and turning it into clear, confident action. You will play a pivotal role in how United Utilities interprets data, responds to risk and prevents problems before they happen. Working with experienced operational teams and a focused group of DNM specialists, you will be at the centre of a shift towards predictive, whole-system performance across both networks and treatment, supporting the development of Dynamic Treatment Management alongside DNM. Your ability to analyse, interpret and communicate data will directly influence decision-making across the business.

Benefits

26 days annual leave rising to 30 with service, plus