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'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 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
- 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working
Our proposed business plan would see us deliver the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in more than a century, investing in assets and delivering improved services for customers and the environment. It will deliver a step change in tackling those issues that matter the most - from reliable water supplies to cleaner rivers and bathing waters - helping to make the North West greener, healthier and stronger.
The role
As a Principal Environmental Planner, you will report in to the Head of Planning, Landscape and Ecology and work alongside our environmental, capital delivery and engineering colleagues and partners.
In joining us, you will have full exposure to the organisation, our major contracts and our largest industry partners. Stakeholder engagement is vital for this role. You will therefore need to build strong working relationships, manage key internal and external stakeholders effectively and provide expert advice to our contractors. You will develop consenting strategies working with a wide range of stakeholders from across the region in particular Planning Authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency and a whole host of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
United Utilities offer dynamic roles that will help you grow professionally and personally and you will have the chance to enhance your skill, knowledge and experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about making a positive difference for the North West of England and want to join us on our journey of transformation, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the UU family!
Key accountabilities
- Accountable for all environmental assessment and planning activities within the projects and programmes, delivering on time and quality objectives.
- Line management of Senior Environmental Planners.
- Work closely with Senior Managers and develop strong working relationships with all our design and construction partners at project and programme level.
- Accountable for all technical decision making within environmental planning and ensuring effective strategies for gaining regulatory approval for projects (to include external stakeholder management with Environment Agency, Natural England and planning authorities).
- Procurement of key frameworks and call off contracts including budget estimation and financial management across programmes and projects.
- Resource planning, team development and establishing framework contractors.
- Challenge and influence designers to produce appropriate solutions to secure consents and meet United Utilities objectives.
- Develop effective relationships with external regulators and planning authorities at Senior Management/Director level.
Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Chartered Membership with a relevant body (e.g. RTPI/CIWEM/IEMA) with a wealth of demonstrable experience in environmental planning and assessment.
- Environmental planning and assessment project management experience including cost, time, resourcing, contracts and quality.
- Ability to assess planning and environmental risks to projects and programmes and develop mitigation strategies to manage the level of risk, influencing project teams and stakeholders to achieve timely consents.
- Experience of a wide range of environmental disciplines (such as landscape, biodiversity, arboriculture and planning).
- Experience in leading successful multi-disciplinary resources in a highly technical and commercial environment, delivering complex capital and strategic projects/programmes.
- Ability to lead, coach, empower and motivate a team.
Other
- 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 - Warrington only
- 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.