The RoleWe’re looking for a County System Performance Manager who can bring together operational, engineering, maintenance and data expertise to drive outstanding system performance across the county. This is a role where you’ll influence strategy, shape the way our county hubs operate, and lead a step-change in how we plan, prioritise and deliver.
You’ll lead the creation of an intelligent, insight-driven annual operational plan, embedding situational awareness, performance analytics and robust decision-making. Working closely with Delivery Managers and wider operational teams, you’ll guide the end-to-end system to achieve ambitious targets, ensure resilience, and deliver for our customers.
We’re seeking someone with real presence and drive—a leader who can challenge constructively, hold tensions confidently and use gravitas to support and stretch others. Someone who is energised by change, open to new ways of working and ready to set the pace for performance excellence.
Role Accountabilities*Leading the development of a coordinated, strategic annual operational plan for the county, translating long-term business priorities into clear programmes of work.
*Monitoring system-wide performance and taking decisive action where improvements or interventions are required.
*Embedding the use of data, asset health indicators, performance signatures and visualisation tools to strengthen operational intelligence.
*Managing county-level financial performance, including TOTEX and operational budgets, ensuring decisions support efficiency and value.
*Deploying resources effectively across asset groups, aligning priorities to operational needs and business objectives.
*Creating a high-performing, collaborative environment across engineering, operations, maintenance and strategy teams.
*Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to design and deliver meaningful performance improvements.
*Leading Health & Safety risk management and maintaining robust contingency plans across all critical sites.
*Overseeing the commissioning and integration of capital projects, ensuring asset data and O&M knowledge are embedded within delivery teams.
*Driving cultural change towards proactive, planned, data-driven operational and maintenance delivery.
*Motivating and developing people across the county, ensuring capability, performance and accountability remain high.
*Identifying efficiencies, improving reliability and enhancing customer outcomes.
*Sharing best practice and contributing to a consistent, high-quality performance culture across all county areas.
Essential Skills & Experience*Full UK driving license is required for this role.
*Proven experience in a senior operational, engineering or system performance role within a complex or regulated environment.
*Strong understanding of wastewater operations and the regulatory frameworks governing the sector.
*Demonstrable leadership capability, with experience motivating, developing and directing large operational or technical teams.
*Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the courage and confidence to challenge, create healthy tension, and drive high-performance behaviours.
*A proven track record of delivering results, with the resilience, grit and gravitas to lead through pressure, hold others accountable and maintain momentum.
*Highly analytical, with experience using data, insights and asset health indicators to inform decisions and prioritisation.
*Strong financial, planning and organisational skills, including experience delivering against operational or TOTEX budgets.
*Open to change, comfortable navigating evolving landscapes and able to inspire others through transformation.
*Customer-focused with a commitment to improving service reliability, operational performance and customer experience.
*Degree-level qualification or professional accreditation (e.g., CIWEM, IWO) is preferred, though equivalent experience will be considered.
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
About UsSalary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Onsite
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 -

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.