At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in operational services for a greener North West.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a thriving FTSE 100 company committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree or significant experience in utilities; strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
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.
Salary Competitive Salary
Work Type Hybrid
Job Location Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type Permanent
Employment Type Full Time
Working Hours 37.0 Hours per Week
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
- Competitive performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- £7500 Annual Car Allowance
- 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
Job Purpose
This is a key operational leadership role accountable for the Integrated Operational Services teams. This role will drive the strategy and operational delivery of regionally centralised and specialist operational services, including Trade Effluent, Waste Services, Grounds Maintenance and Street Works. In addition, lead significant revenue generation (c £40m) and manage complex regulatory environments and external authority relationships.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- To lead the Integrated Operational Services team and drive the strategy and operational delivery across the North West for Trade Effluent, Waste Services, Grounds Maintenance and Street Works.
- To ensure that all centralised operational services are delivered in accordance with relevant company and legislative health and safety requirements and agreed quality standards.
- Lead and develop first‑class internal and external relationships based on a detailed understanding of customer needs and operational constraints.
- Drive continuous improvement across all lines of business to maximise health and safety compliance, team productivity and operational delivery.
- Identify and exploit innovation and efficiency opportunities, including through our supply chain.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Educated to degree level or with significant relevant experience.
- Experience of operating in the water or broader utilities sector (preferable) and/or in a closely regulated industry.
- Operational experience of leading multiple and large geographically dispersed teams across varying disciplines.
- Customer experience, particularly in delivering an internal service to field‑based teams.
- Able to demonstrate a high level of innovative thinking to produce alternative operational solutions and strategies.
- Commercial and supply‑chain management experience.
- Excellent communication and influencing ability across diverse stakeholder groups.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications: Educated to degree level or with significant relevant experience.
About The Team
Trade Effluent
- Setting, implementation and monitoring of company policy in trade effluent services, including the enforcement of discharge consent limits across all traders within our region.
- Accountable for the endorsement of legal proceedings against non‑compliant traders to drive overall compliance and trade effluent income.
- Leads in the longer‑term strategic planning of trader activity in the North West, and root‑cause failure/trend analysis of trader compliance failure.
Waste Services
- Coordinate waste management activities on behalf of the operational business.
- Lead the effective and efficient use of specialist cleaning services to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Direct and lead the provision of liquid waste management services to a portfolio of industrial and commercial customers.
- Lead the identification and implementation of opportunities to maximise revenue in the liquid waste management sector.
Grounds Maintenance
- Lead the development of the long‑term strategy for the provision of grounds maintenance services to drive efficiency, support the optimisation of site performance and maintain compliance with all health and safety standards.
- Jointly deliver site standards on our operational sites and assets.
- Lead the appropriate use of third‑party contractors to effectively meet grounds maintenance requirements.
- Account for audit feedback and regulatory/risk‑management policy changes.
Street Works
- Lead the Street Works team to ensure all Street Works activities are fully compliant with legislative requirements, while safeguarding United Utilities’ reputation against current and emerging challenges.
- Ensure that all centralised operational services are delivered in accordance with relevant company and legislative health and safety requirements and agreed quality standards.
- Hold our operational partners to account for Street Works compliance and standards.
- Establish and maintain best‑in‑class external relationships with our local and highway authority partners.
Other
We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick‑start a thriving career here at UU.
Head of Integrated Operational Services in Warrington employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a robust pension scheme and wellness initiatives, employees are valued and encouraged to thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of the North West of England, this FTSE 100 company provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to sustainable water services while fostering innovation and collaboration among diverse teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Integrated Operational Services in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at United Utilities. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our mission of delivering great water for a stronger, greener North West.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Integrated Operational Services. Highlight your leadership skills and any innovative solutions you've implemented in past roles.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Integrated Operational Services in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Role:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Head of Integrated Operational Services role shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to deliver great water and support a greener North West.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership and the utilities sector. We’re looking for someone who can drive strategy and operational delivery, so be specific about your past achievements that relate to this.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as we appreciate direct communication. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand United Utilities' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to sustainability and community benefits. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Integrated Operational Services, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams effectively. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed diverse teams or driven operational improvements. Highlight your innovative thinking and how it has led to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to the water or utilities sector, especially around regulatory compliance and operational strategies. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex regulatory environments in your previous roles. This will showcase your expertise and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. Ask about their approach to continuous improvement and innovation within the Integrated Operational Services team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
