The RoleAt the heart of our county delivery model sits a critical role: connecting strategy to operational performance.
As a County Systems Performance Manager, you will lead the development of an integrated, intelligent approach to planning, performance and risk management across your county. This role is responsible for turning strategic objectives into clear, coordinated and deliverable plans that drive operational excellence.
Working across operational engineering, maintenance, planning and data functions, you will help establish a centre of excellence within the county hub, ensuring that insights, performance data and operational intelligence are translated into meaningful action.
You will play a key role in creating and delivering the annual optimised county plan, aligning operational priorities, managing risks and enabling teams to deliver against business targets.
This is a role for someone who thrives on seeing the bigger picture, connecting complex systems, and bringing people together around a shared performance agenda.
We welcome applicants from a range of industries — including infrastructure, utilities, transport, manufacturing, consulting or other operationally complex environments — who can bring strategic thinking, performance insight and the ability to translate strategy into delivery.
Role Accountabilities*Lead the development of the annual county plan, ensuring operational activity aligns with wider organisational strategy and performance targets.
*Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans, enabling delivery teams to prioritise activity effectively.
*Drive an integrated approach to planning, performance and risk management across the county.
*Take a whole-system view of operational performance, identifying opportunities to optimise delivery across engineering, maintenance, planning and operational teams.
*Integrate operational data, insight and performance metrics to support evidence-based decision making.
*Ensure plans consider system interdependencies, risk and resilience.
*Establish and champion a centre of excellence for performance and planning within the county hub.
*Monitor and evaluate county performance against key operational targets and regulatory requirements.
*Identify improvement opportunities and work collaboratively with teams to drive performance.
*Work closely with operational leaders, engineering teams and central functions to ensure alignment between strategy and delivery.
*Facilitate collaboration across functions to resolve challenges and optimise performance.
*Build strong relationships across the organisation to support effective delivery.
*Identify opportunities to enhance planning frameworks, performance management and risk processes.
*Embed a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and data-led decision making.
Essential Skills & ExperienceWe’re looking for someone who can think strategically while influencing operational delivery.
You may have experience in utilities, infrastructure, transport, manufacturing, consulting or another complex operational environment.
Key capabilities include:
*Full UK driving license as travelling across the region is required.
*Ability to translate strategic objectives into practical delivery plans.
*Strong leadership and effective communication skills, with the ability to motivate, performance-manage and develop a large team to achieve high levels of performance.
*Strong systems thinking with the ability to see the bigger operational picture.
*Experience developing or managing performance frameworks, operational plans or improvement programmes.
*Ability to analyse complex data and use insight to inform decision-making.
*Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work across multiple operational disciplines.
*Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving alignment.
*Ability to interpret operational data and identify trends, risks and opportunities.
*Skilled in structured problem-solving and performance improvement.
*A proactive, driven mindset with the ability to bring people together around shared outcomes.
*Passion for improving performance and delivering meaningful results.
Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Warrington North Wastewater Treatment Works, Gatewarth Industrial Est, Off Liverpool Road, Sankey Bridges, Warrington, WA5 1DS
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37 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 - £5,000
*Up to 20% 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
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.