Innovation Project Manager

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A water and wastewater company in the UK is seeking an experienced Innovation Project Manager to drive operational change and implement innovative solutions across the region. The ideal candidate will lead projects from inception to completion and ensure alignment with business goals. Strong experience in project management methodologies and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this role. This position offers competitive compensation and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 10.5% bonus

Up to 14% employer pension contribution

Company-funded healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering end-to-end projects on time and within budget.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in utilities or similar sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead full end to end project delivery, ensuring targets are met.
• Manage detailed project plans and communicate with stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks and constraints.

Skills

Project management

Agile methodologies

Waterfall methodologies

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

MS Project

JIRA

Asana

Job description

Job number UU04092 Country United Kingdom Region Cheshire West and Chester Location name Lingley Mere (UUingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP Posting End Date 17/02/2026 Band 4a Role Type Permanent Salary Competitive

Location: Warrington, Lingley Mere (Hybrid 3 days onsite)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Shape the Future of Wastewater Innovation in the North West

United Utilities is on a mission to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient future for our region and is at the heart of that transformation. If you’re driven by delivery, thrive on turning proven ideas into large‑scale reality, and want to make a tangible impact on how millions of people experience essential services, this is your opportunity.

As our Innovation Project Manager, you’ll take cutting‑edge concepts and turn them into operational change. Not theoretical. Not experimental. Real solutions, rolled out at scale 30 sites, 3000 assets, region‑wide adoption. You’ll be the person who makes innovation happen.

Why Join United Utilities

You’ll be part of a purpose‑led organisation committed to environmental stewardship, community impact and continuous improvement. We also offer a standout benefits package, including:

• 26 days’ holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Up to 10.5% bonus
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
• Company‑funded healthcare plan & private medical
• Gym discounts, EV car scheme, ShareBuy and flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave
• Mental health first aiders and employee assistance support

We’re building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a delivery focused role perfect for someone who loves structure, thrives under pressure, and is relentless about getting results.

You will:

• Lead full end to end project delivery, ensuring time, cost and quality targets are met
• Build and manage detailed project plans using the right tools and methodologies
• Define scope, goals and deliverables with stakeholders across the business
• Estimate costs, resources and feasibility for scaling proven innovations
• Oversee day to day project operations and ensure compliance with governance
• Track progress, manage budgets and take corrective action when needed
• Identify, assess and mitigate risks, constraints dependencies
• Implement quality controls to ensure high‑standard outcomes
• Produce accurate documentation, reports and updates for leadership
• Lead cross‑functional teams, set clear expectations and drive collaboration
• Navigate commercial approvals, procurement processes and operational challenges
• Support post implementation reviews and ensure benefits are realised
• Drive business change embedding new processes so they become the new normal

This isn’t an engineering design role. It’s about operational change, scaling innovation, and ensuring the business adopts new ways of working.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience delivering end‑to‑end projects on time, within scope and budget
• Experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Confidence managing budgets, resources and competing priorities
• Ability to lead teams and drive delivery in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Planview, JIRA, Asana, Smartsheet)
• Understanding of project governance, risk management and quality assurance
• Experience in utilities, finance, retail or similar sectors

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• Task‑driven, structured and relentless about delivery
• Skilled at navigating approvals, commercial processes and operational complexity
• Comfortable making impactful decisions with real business consequences
• Focused on ROI and benefits realisation
• Motivated by scaling innovation not inventing it
• Experienced in business change and operational transformation

If you’re the kind of person who sees a challenge and thinks, “how do we make this happen?” you’ll fit right in.