Risk and Asset Planning Lead

As Risk and Asset Planning Lead, you will help the business understand what could go wrong, what really matters, and where we should invest to make the biggest difference. Leading on risk and asset planning, you will help ensure we spend customer’s money wisely – protecting services today and improving outcomes for customers tomorrow.

A key part of this role is leading the introduction of new risk software that will transform how we think about risk across the organisation. This is not a technical IT role – it’s about people, influence and change. You will work with teams from across the business, building confidence, challenging thinking and helping colleagues adopt new ways of working that genuinely improve investment decision‑making.

Above all, this is a stakeholder‑led role. You will act as a trusted partner, helping teams navigate risk, make informed choices and continuously improve how we plan for the long term.

• Be the go‑to person for the risk guidance and risk‑based decision making, helping teams understand risks and how they can influence investment choices.
• Lead our ‘Technical Home’ sessions that bring people together, build confidence and embed consistent approaches to managing risk.
• Play a central role in rolling out new risk management software, working closely with stakeholders to drive adoption and positive change.
• Act as a key point of contact for questions on risk, planning and decision support, translating complex ideas into clear, practical insight.
• Continually improve the guidance, tools and ways of working so risk management remains relevant, useful and aligned to business priorities.
• Support the development of long‑term asset planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are clearly understood well into the future.
• Work alongside Risk Analysts and Risk Managers, as well as operational teams to support programme development for regulatory periods and beyond.
• Lead the development of training, capability and learning materials that help the wider business grow its confidence in managing risk, working towards an asset management centre of excellence.
• Maintain a shared knowledge hub that encourages collaboration, learning and best practice across teams.

You don’t need to come from a traditional Asset Management background to succeed here. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, shaping thinking and driving improvement.

You’re likely to have:

• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to work with people at all levels of the business.
• The ability to understand and then explain complex ideas in a clear, engaging and non‑technical way.
• A good understanding of risk – or a strong interest in how organisations manage uncertainty and make better decisions.
• Experience working with data and insight to inform conversations and support recommendations.
• The ability to coordinate, collaborate and the confidence to challenge, influence and support change.
• Natural curiosity, initiative and the desire to learn, along with the flexibility to adapt in a fast‑moving environment.
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

• Familiarity with Asset Management principles.
• Experience using data visualisation tools such as Power BI.

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great 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 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.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.