Strategic Planning Manager; Rainwater Management

Help shape a greener, more resilient future for the North West. At United Utilities, we’re redefining how the North West manages rainwater to protect the environment, enhance communities and build long‑term resilience.

As our Strategic Planning Manager
, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how we plan, deliver and embed these programmes across the business, unlocking innovative rainwater management solutions to drive down sewer flooding and spill frequencies.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a c £300m+ programme making a meaningful difference to people, places and the planet.

As our Strategic Planning Manager, you will provide direction, strategic leadership and long‑term planning for Rainwater Management across UU. You'll drive strategy embedment, guide major investment decisions, and ensure our programmes deliver against key performance indicators such as sewer flooding, pollution and spill frequency.

• Lead and shape Rainwater Management programmes (c.£300m), overseeing strategic planning of budgets, programme development and project sponsorship.
• Champion innovation by identifying new opportunities, incentives and approaches that benefit our customers, environment and the business.
• Maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits of our work, collaborating with partners, academics and regulators.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Lead the design, development and implementation of new processes and policies in response to emerging legislation.
• Develop regional policies, strategies and methodologies to meet evolving requirements for Rainwater Management.
• Support high‑quality regulatory reporting, ensuring accuracy, completeness and effective governance.
• Oversee the creation and assurance of key datasets, metrics and reports.
• Use analytical tools and automation to drive accuracy, insight and performance across our programmes.

You’ll bring passion, expertise and a strategic mindset to help us transform how the North West manages rainwater.

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in an environmental or relevant technical field.
• Strong knowledge of Rainwater Management interventions, including SuDS, Nature‑Based Solutions, drainage and flood risk.
• A strategic, innovative thinker with a track record of shaping and delivering complex plans.
• Inspirational leadership skills, with the resilience and drive to influence at all levels — including regulators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence managing a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to demonstrate best value and environmental benefits.
• Experience with tools such as Alteryx, Power
  
  BI, Exasol and GIS.

We want you to thrive, both professionally and personally.

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 4 years, plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined)
• Performance‑related bonus of up to 10.5%, plus recognition awards
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• Flexible working, with 3 days a week on‑site to support collaboration, and flexibility in how you structure your day

United Utilities’ mission is to provide high‑quality water for a stronger, greener, healthier North West
. We take pride in placing #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List
, and we foster a workplace where everyone can grow, excel, and be themselves.

Join us and you’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment where innovation is encouraged, and your ideas can shape the future of water, the environment and our communities.