About us
United Utilities' (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality 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 are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. 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 want to work with a team that shares your vision or to 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. These include:
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases yearly up to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working
The role
Are you looking for a rewarding career that combines your knowledge of HR best practice and your passion for working on business change projects/programmes? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a HR Manager. This is an exciting and crucial role to make a real difference across the business as we step into our next huge phase of growth and transformation, known as AMP 8 in the water sector.
Reporting in to the Head of Employee relations, as a HR Manager you will be responsible for project management and delivery of the HR elements of our business projects. There will be great variety with both short and long-term projects to be managed such as TUPE transfers, changes to T's and C's, restructures and new ways of working across any one of our many business areas.
You will collaborate with HRBPs, Reward, Training and other teams to provide expert HR advice whilst working in partnership with trade union groups, supporting UU to achieve our goals.
We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life. This role is based at our Lingley Mere head office in Warrington Head Office where In-person attendance is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance.
Key accountabilities
- HR Project Delivery: Oversee HR aspects of business projects (owning the project plan from initiation to closure) including restructures, changes to terms and conditions, changes to working patterns, manage and oversee TUPE transfers, and establish new practices. You will plan and deliver daily/weekly project outputs, review business requirements to develop comprehensive project plans and manage risks to achieve our objectives and ensure successful delivery.
- Collaboration: Actively participate in HR team meetings, provide updates, advice, and guidance. Work with specialist HR functions (such as our Reward team, Training team and HRBPs) to ensure that changes are implemented effectively. You will also manage and run consultation activities, working in partnership with trade union groups.
- Strategic Planning: Plan and manage HR work streams for key business and HR projects, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of project goals.
- Compliance: Ensure all projects comply with company policies and employment legislation.
- Stakeholder Communication: Engage and influence managers and trade unions, fostering good working relationships to enable the delivery of business as usual and people change project activity.
Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- CIPD qualified or working towards.
- Knowledge of employment law and experience in business change projects and/or programmes such as TUPE transfers, restructures, reward projects, changes to T's and C's etc.
- Experience of working in a unionised environment either in your current role or previous employment.
- Excellent communication skills, managing relationships at all levels with the ability to influence decisions.
- Confident with HR best practice/approach and able to work under pressure, providing creative solutions to HR challenges.
Other
We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.
- Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues
- 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
- You may be entitled to relocation expenses of up to £8,000 for this position. This will depend on the outcome of an eligibility check.