Full job descriptionAbout usLingley Mere, Warrington (Hybrid)
Permanent | Full Time
Competitive Salary | Annual Bonus + £5000 Car Allowance
The roleAt United Utilities, we don’t just deliver water — we deliver a better future for the North West. Our mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable water services that support a greener, healthier and more prosperous region.
Ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, we are proud of our commitment to diversity, innovation and creating a workplace where people can truly thrive.
As we significantly increase our investment in innovation over the next five years, there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
The OpportunityWe’re looking for a Senior Innovation Project Manager to lead from the front — driving cutting-edge engineering innovation across our Commercial, Engineering and Capital Delivery (CEC) functions.
This isn’t just project delivery. You’ll be shaping how innovation is identified, tested, scaled and embedded across a FTSE 100 organisation — directly contributing to carbon reduction, efficiency and future sustainability outcomes.
We are expanding our award-winning Innovation and Outperformance team at United Utilities, bringing together innovation, decarbonisation, and standardisation to drive step-change improvements in cost and carbon performance mainly focused on our c.£7bn capital programme.
Our team explores innovations that deliver value and drives the deployment of these solutions at scale to unlock outperformance against our ambitious targets.
What You’ll Be Doing*Lead and deliver a diverse portfolio of complex, multi-disciplinary innovation projects
*Take ideas from concept through to adoption, ensuring measurable benefits and real-world impact
*Drive efficiency, sustainability and carbon reduction outcomes across the business
*Inspire and mentor project managers, championing agile thinking and innovative approaches
*Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, shaping decisions and influencing outcomes
*Collaborate with external partners and funding bodies including Ofwat, Innovate UK and Horizon Europe
*Manage delivery across risk, governance, resources and commercial performance
*Promote innovation across the business, increasing visibility and adoption of new ideas
*Ensure outstanding Health & Safety performance, operating within CDM and DSEAR frameworks
What Makes This Role Different?*Be at the forefront of a rapidly expanding international innovation programme
*Work on cutting-edge technologies and engineering solutions from around the World
*Influence strategic direction within a FTSE 100 organisation
*Play a key role in delivering sustainability and carbon reduction targets
*Work across internal teams, supply chains and leading external innovation partners
What We’re Looking ForWe’re seeking a visionary project leader who thrives in complexity, brings energy to innovation and knows how to turn ideas into reality.
Essential:


*Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in a technical or engineering discipline
*Chartered member of an industry recognised organisation
*Project management qualification (APM or equivalent)
*Proven experience delivering complex project portfolios
*Strong stakeholder management with experience influencing senior leaders
*Experience supporting bids or securing funding for projects
*Full UK/EU driving licence
What You’ll Get in ReturnWe recognise the value you bring — and reward it.
*26 days annual leave (rising to 30) + bank holidays
*Competitive pension scheme (up to 14% employer contribution)
*Performance-related bonus of up to 20%
*£5,000 car allowance
*Company-funded healthcare
*Flexible, hybrid working
You’ll also benefit from exceptional development opportunities, including:#


*APM Project Management qualifications
*Chartership support (CEng / IEng)
*Leadership coaching and mentoring
*Professional memberships and accreditations
Your ImpactYour work will directly support our ambition to build a more sustainable future, delivering innovation at scale and creating tangible benefits for customers, communities and the environment.
This is your chance to lead transformational change — not just projects.
Ready to Lead Innovation?
If you’re passionate about delivering impactful projects, shaping the future of engineering and driving meaningful change — we want to hear from you.
Apply now and be part of something bigger.