At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for major infrastructure projects that enhance communities and the environment.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leader in sustainable development and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on regional infrastructure while mentoring future planning professionals.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience and a degree in Town Planning or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Town Planning professional ready to shape complex infrastructure projects that truly make a difference? We're looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Planning Manager to lead the planning discipline across United Utilities' major capital programme. This is an exciting opportunity to influence projects that improve environmental resilience, support sustainable communities and help deliver essential services across the North West.
As the discipline lead, you'll play a pivotal role in securing successful planning outcomes across a diverse and challenging portfolio, from urban developments to environmentally sensitive sites. You'll provide leadership, technical expertise and strategic direction while building strong relationships with planning authorities, internal stakeholders and communities alike.
This is far more than a traditional planning role. It's an opportunity to lead at scale, influence regional infrastructure delivery and mentor a growing professional community within a highly collaborative matrix organisation.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Discipline Leadership & Standards
- Lead the planning discipline, setting professional standards, policies and best-practice guidance across all planning activities.
- Provide technical assurance, expert challenge and support to project teams and planning specialists across Capital Delivery portfolios.
- Build a strong professional culture and sense of connection for planners working within the matrix model.
- Planning Strategy & Delivery
- Oversee the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, environmental assessments, and associated consents.
- Develop planning strategies that balance policy requirements, environmental considerations, stakeholder expectations and programme priorities.
- Provide expert advice on planning risk, mitigation strategies and opportunities to streamline approvals and delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with planning authorities, statutory consultees, local councils and community stakeholders.
- Represent United Utilities during planning discussions, negotiations and pre-application engagement activities.
- Support strategic engagement on local and national planning policy and relevant legislative change.
- Resource Planning & Matrix Support
- Maintain oversight of planning workload, demand and resource utilisation across multiple portfolios.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure planning specialists are effectively deployed and professionally supported.
- Lead recruitment, development and performance management for planning professionals, including graduates and apprentices.
- Governance, Assurance & Risk Management
- Ensure all planning activity is delivered in line with planning law, environmental regulations and internal governance standards.
- Provide clear reporting on planning performance, authority sentiment, risks and opportunities.
- Lead assurance reviews to ensure submissions are robust, defensible and aligned with business objectives.
- Continuous Improvement & Professional Development
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across planning processes, engagement strategies and technical standards.
- Develop and maintain guidance materials, best-practice tools and technical resources.
- Champion professional development, including RTPI pathways and continuing professional development (CPD).
What we're looking for:
We're looking for a highly credible planning leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness, emotional intelligence and strong stakeholder management skills. You'll bring:
- Extensive planning experience within infrastructure, utilities or complex development programmes.
- Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, planning policy and local authority processes.
- A proven track record of securing infrastructure planning consents across urban, rural and environmentally sensitive locations.
- Experience building strong relationships with planning authorities and statutory consultees.
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within a matrix environment.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
- A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered RTPI membership (essential).
Most importantly, you'll be someone who thrives on collaboration, brings clarity to complexity and enjoys delivering projects that create long-term value for both communities and the environment.
Why join United Utilities?
At United Utilities, you'll be part of an organisation delivering projects that matter — protecting the environment, supporting communities and creating a more sustainable future for the North West. We're proud to foster a culture where people can grow, innovate and feel genuinely supported in their careers.
In return, we offer:
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays.
- Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution.
- £5000 Annual Car Allowance.
- Up to 20% performance-related bonus.
- Comprehensive company-funded healthcare plan.
- A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working.
We're also proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading inclusive employers, ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their best selves to work.
Strategy Manager / Senior Manager in Warrington employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and communities across the North West. As a Strategy Manager, you will thrive in a supportive and innovative culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration, with access to extensive benefits including generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements. Join us in leading transformative infrastructure projects that not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance the quality of life for local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Manager / Senior Manager in Warrington
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like United Utilities!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy Manager / Senior Manager position at United Utilities via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Manager / Senior Manager in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at United Utilities.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to United Utilities’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to United Utilities. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at United Utilities. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to United Utilities.
