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- Tasks: Lead operations in Merseyside, ensuring excellence and sustainability in water services.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company dedicated to providing great water for a healthier North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, hybrid work, competitive pension, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Degree level education with extensive operational leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent role with a focus on performance and people-first leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Role Details
Salary – Competitive Salary
Work Type – Hybrid
Job Location – Liverpool, Merseyside
Role Type – Permanent
Employment Type – Full Time
Working Hours – 37.0 Hours per Week
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. 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.
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.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Car cash allowance – £7,500
- Up to 35% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
The Role
We’re seeking a strategic and pragmatic senior leader who can balance big-picture thinking with practical delivery. As a Senior Operations Leader, you will have full accountability for the planning, development, investment, operation and maintenance of all aspects of our work across this critical geography.
As Senior Operations Leader for Merseyside, you’ll hold single-point accountability for delivering our business plan outcomes in the region-from driving operation excellence and regulatory compliance to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure. You’ll be responsible for the delivery of £50 million annual operating budget and play a crucial role in making strategic decisions that have real impact on our customers, communities and the environment.
This role requires confident and people-first leadership. You’ll bring together cross functional teams, build lasting partnerships and create a culture of performance and inclusion all while ensuring day-to-day operations run to the highest standards.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead and inspire the area business team, developing a high-performing, inclusive culture that reflects our values and enhances United Utilities reputation.
- Translate the corporate strategy into a clear county-level business plan and budget, including active sponsorship of major business change projects.
- Lead all aspects of asset planning, operational delivery and maintenance across Merseyside to optimise cost, quality and risk.
- Sponsor key capital interventions and drive improvement in asset performance and value to customers.
- Contribute to regulatory submissions, including price review.
- Build and manage strong operational relationships with internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring timely responses to events and incidents.
- Champion health, safety and wellbeing in the Home Safe and well programme.
- Establish and maintain a strong governance framework covering operational risk, security compliance contingency and business continuity.
Skills & Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent ideally supported by a relevant professional qualification or post-graduate accreditation.
- Extensive experience in leading and managing an operational business function, with a demonstrable track record of strategic planning, budgetary control, resource management, and overall business performance management.
- A proven track record in planning and managing the investment and operational needs of a complex, technically driven asset base, with a focus on delivering improvements in customer service, quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
- Significant leadership and people management capability with a proven ability to translate corporate strategy into departmental business plans and budgets, drive performance, and build high-performing, inclusive teams.
- Strong delivery experience with the ability to execute complex plans and drive continuous improvement across diverse operations.
- Strong commercial acumen ideally gained through managing large-scale contracts or working in partnership with third-party suppliers.
- Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure maintaining focus, clarity and judgement while handling the demands of a significant operational leadership role.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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Industries
Utilities
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Senior Operations Leader employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with United Utilities' mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community will help you align your leadership style with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of United Utilities on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Operations Leader role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and managed large budgets in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in these areas will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your people management skills by preparing to discuss how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Emphasising your ability to foster an inclusive culture will resonate well with United Utilities' values.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Senior Operations Leader position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your extensive experience in leading operational functions, strategic planning, and budget management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and build high-performing teams.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires confident and people-first leadership, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and fostered an inclusive culture. Mention any relevant achievements that reflect your leadership capabilities.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for United Utilities by incorporating their values and mission into your application. Show that you resonate with their commitment to sustainability and community impact, which will set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Before your interview, take some time to research United Utilities' values and mission. They emphasise diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, so be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Operations Leader, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and driven operational excellence. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss how you would translate corporate strategy into actionable plans and how you’ve handled complex operational challenges in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Given the role's focus on managing large-scale contracts and partnerships, be prepared to discuss your experience with commercial negotiations and supplier management. Share specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in previous roles.
