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
- A 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
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
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your creativity and passion for environmental planning, working on a wide range of complex infrastructure projects that benefit the environment and society? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) to grow in your career as an Environmental Planner.
As an Environmental Planner, you will report into/work closely with a Senior Environmental Planner and work alongside our environmental, capital delivery and engineering colleagues and partners.
We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In-person attendance at our site in Lingley Mere, Warrington is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. On occasion, you may be required to work from one of our other offices. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.
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
- Undertake environmental assessment and planning activities within the projects/programmes and help to deliver on environmental planning and assessment time and quality objectives.
- Liaise with external stakeholders (EA, Natural England, planning authorities, etc.) and provide guidance to support internal teams, ensuring projects adhere to best practices and comply with relevant policies and regulations.
- Carry out desk top assessments and site visits to assess the viability and potential environmental impact of proposed developments. Assessing the feasibility of proposals and identifying potential mitigation.
- Work within design teams, challenging and influencing others to develop appropriate solutions.
- Support the development of budgets and programmes for planning and environmental assessment deliverables.
- Support the preparation of planning strategies, highlighting planning and environmental risks and mitigation approaches.
- Prepare and submit Town & Country Planning applications (including schemes with the potential to be EIA development).
- Provision, submission and management of Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion requests.
- Work collaboratively with EIA specialists on the preparation of EIA scoping opinion requests and Environmental Statements.
Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Recent chartered professional or working towards chartership with a relevant body (e.g RTPI/CIWEM/IEMA) with some equivalent experience gained in an environmental planning or assessment role.
- Good knowledge of environmental law, planning policies and procedures.
- Great stakeholder management abilities, to support with gaining regulatory approval for projects.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams with engineers and other environmental specialists such as ecologists and landscape architects
- You will need to be a multi-tasker with the ability to work flexibly across several projects, meeting deadlines, working autonomously without direct supervision.
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.