Rainwater Management Technical Principal

We’re looking for an influential senior leader to drive the future of Rainwater Management at United Utilities. This is a brand‑new role, created in response to significant growth and a pipeline of exciting transformational projects. In this pivotal position, you’ll provide expert technical leadership across drainage design and specialist activities, championing innovative Rainwater Management solutions that deliver long‑term benefits for the North West. You’ll represent UU on key technical programmes, including capital projects, operational support, WINEP and Climate Resilience, while shaping strategic resource planning and leading a team of technical specialists. As an ambassador for UU, you’ll also play a vital role in raising the profile of Rainwater Management across the wider water industry.

What you’ll do:

• Lead specialist technical and design teams (internal and external), owning technical decision‑making for Rainwater Management.
• Provide expert design and technical guidance on SuDS and Nature‑Based Solutions, covering a wide range of components from swales and raingardens to wetlands, permeable paving and rainwater harvesting.
• Maximise environmental, social and economic benefits through design, supporting a Natural Capital approach.
• Oversee technical delivery and design management of projects, ensuring performance against budget, programme and quality requirements.
• Drive innovation and efficiency in Rainwater Management to accelerate delivery and reduce whole‑life costs.
• Act as the senior point of technical escalation, enabling timely decisions for project teams.
• Provide strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams delivering integrated drainage and runoff management solutions.
• Identify opportunities to manage rainwater more effectively across the system, enhancing water quality, reducing flooding/spills and supporting water efficiency.
• Lead strategic resource planning and ensure clear, streamlined processes across the Project Delivery System.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Promote technical excellence, governance and consistency across the business.
• Lead Rainwater Management transformation activities and implement legislative or policy‑driven process change.
• Manage contracts and relationships with Design and Delivery Partners.
• Own and develop asset standards, including technical software and hardware requirements.

What we’re looking for:

• Chartered professional e.g. C.WEM (Chartered Water and Environmental Manager) and/or Degree qualified OR equivalent role based experience.
• Experience in delivering capital and strategic projects with a preference of providing technical expertise, design management and guidance.
• Possess practical and theoretical knowledge of Rainwater Management interventions, including Sustainable drainage expertise (SuDS) & Nature Based Solutions (NBS).
• Experience in leading successful multi-disciplinary teams in a technical and commercial environment; demonstrating excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of the multi-disciplinary roles and activities required to deliver Rainwater Management in the Water industry, including but not limited too; Landscape architecture, Earth Sciences including Geotechnical and Physical Geography, Hydrology, Ecology, Modelling, Hydraulics, Environmental Planning, Drainage, Flood Risk, Natural Flood Management (NFM) & Water Quality.

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.
• Up to 20% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements.
• Car cash allowance - £5,000.
• 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.