Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery

Lead the Delivery of Critical Infrastructure at Scale

Overview

United Utilities delivers one of the UK’s most essential public services, providing water and wastewater services to seven million people across the North West. As we move into AMP8, with a significant and complex capital investment programme, we are seeking an experienced senior capital delivery leader to take accountability for one of our most critical portfolios.

This is a high‑profile senior leadership role, accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery of Water and Wastewater capital maintenance, with projected investment exceeding £1.5bn in AMP8. You will shape and lead a best‑in‑class delivery capability that consistently delivers against time, cost and quality expectations across complex, safety‑critical assets.

The Role

As Head of Capital Maintenance Delivery, you will be accountable for the full delivery lifecycle across capital maintenance programmes spanning water and wastewater networks and treatment assets.

You will design, build and lead a high‑performing delivery organisation across programme management, project delivery, engineering and design disciplines. Operating at the heart of Operations, you will balance operational priorities, commercial discipline and financial control to ensure sustainable, efficient delivery — now and into future Asset Management Periods.

This role requires strong executive‑level judgement, the ability to operate at scale, and confidence navigating complex trade‑offs in a highly regulated environment.

What you'll be doing

Leadership & Capability

• Design, build and lead a multi‑disciplinary team of technical delivery professionals across programme, project and engineering disciplines
• Provide high‑quality, compassionate leadership, coaching and mentoring to develop a best‑in‑class delivery function
• Embed a strong performance culture aligned to United Utilities’ delivery standards and values

Delivery Performance – Time, Cost & Quality

• Establish and lead best‑in‑class performance management across the full project lifecycle
• Maintain clear grip and accountability from Phase 1 Sanction through to final account and payment
• Make transparent, evidence‑based decisions to manage trade‑offs and deliver best value

Programme Design & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Operations, Commercial and Finance to design a coherent, delivery‑ready capital maintenance programme across AMP8 and beyond
• Balance operational need, affordability and long‑term asset performance
• Translate executive‑level ambition into practical, prioritised delivery outcomes

Transformation & Value for Money

• Partner with commercial colleagues to identify and realise value‑for‑money opportunities through programme‑level design and in‑flight negotiations
• Drive cost‑out initiatives, process redesign and opportunities to improve operational efficiency
• Deliver financial precision and transparency across programme base cost

What you'll bring

You are a credible senior capital delivery leader, comfortable operating at scale and influencing across complex stakeholder environments.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading large‑scale capital delivery programmes in utilities or comparable asset‑intensive sectors
• Strong supply chain and commercial expertise, including demonstrable experience across NEC contract options
• Proven leadership of high‑volume, complex project portfolios
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders up to Director, Managing Director and CEO level
• The ability to convert strategic ambition into delivery‑ready, executable programmes
• Formal programme management qualifications (desirable)

Why United Utilities?

• Competitive salary and senior level performance‑related bonus
• £7,500 car allowance
• Pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support
• Hybrid working and an inclusive, values‑led culture
• A rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s largest capital maintenance portfolios

Make Your Impact

This role offers the opportunity to shape how critical infrastructure is delivered at scale, influence long‑term investment outcomes, and leave a lasting legacy across essential public services.

If you are motivated by complexity, leadership and impact — we’d welcome your application.