Water Quality Programme and Sampling Manager

Water Quality Programme and Sampling Manager

Job number UU04306 | Country United Kingdom | Region Cheshire West and Chester | Location Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
| Posting End Date 14/01/2026 | Band 4a | Role Type Permanent | Salary Competitive Salary

Salary – Competitive Salary

Work Type – Hybrid

Job Location – Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Role Type – Permanent

Employment Type – Full Time

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.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our water quality team at our headquarters in Warrington. The role holder will lead a small team to look after some of the key activities fundamental to our obligations with respect to drinking water quality monitoring, the relevant regulations and assist in the company’s relationship with the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

As well as being a subject matter expert on a range of water quality subjects, the successful candidate will be responsible for the drinking and raw water monitoring programmes; provision and maintenance of records and information regarding the treatment and supply of drinking water; and lead in the negotiation, monitoring and maintenance of Regulation 28 Notices and Regulation 15 applications.

• Lead statutory water quality sampling programmes for UUW, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (up to 500,000 tests annually) and setting strategic direction.
• Manage regulatory reporting and performance monitoring, including data from 96 water treatment works, submission to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), and production of the annual return.
• Provide specialist advice and technical support, liaising regularly with DWI inspectors, negotiating legal instruments, and supporting enforcement risk mitigation.
• Oversee team operations and data systems, managing two regulatory analysts, standardising data handling, and specifying IT architecture for compliance reporting.
• Support strategic planning and regulatory commitments, including technical report writing, PR business plan development for Ofwat, and management of regulatory asset data on OMS.

• Hold a degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience, with detailed knowledge of water supply regulations, water quality standards, and DWI regulatory matters.
• Proven experience in regulatory frameworks and legal compliance within the utilities sector, combined with strong data management skills and ability to design appropriate systems for data handling.
• Comprehensive understanding of source-to-tap operations and associated liabilities, with excellent influencing and negotiation skills to challenge practices and engage key stakeholders, including regulators.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of building trust with internal teams and external regulators, explaining complex regulatory issues clearly, and preparing detailed business communications.
• Leadership and decision-making capability, able to manage technical teams to statutory deadlines, handle complex enquiries under pressure, and guide staff development while ensuring compliance and performance.
• This is a hybrid role with a mix of site and remote working.
• Requirement to participate in an out of hours rota following training.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.