Location: North West England
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Shape the Future of Access, Recreation and Natural Spaces Across the North West
United Utilities cares for some of the most iconic landscapes in the region reservoirs, woodlands, trails and open spaces enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. Now, we're looking for an inspiring leader to take our Access & Recreation (A&R) offer to the next level.
This is a rare opportunity to transform a vast recreation estate into a high‑performing, commercially successful and much loved visitor experience. If you're passionate about the outdoors, skilled in commercial growth, and energised by leading teams through change, this role puts you at the heart of something truly meaningful.
You'll set the strategic direction, build a thriving A&R business model, strengthen partnerships across the region, and ensure our visitors enjoy safe, sustainable and memorable experiences all while protecting the natural environment for generations to come.
What You'll Be Doing
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and own the long‑term strategy for Access & Recreation across UU's landholding.
Position A&R as a credible, investable part of the business with clear commercial ambition.
Lead the shift from a cost centre to a sustainable, income‑generating business unit.
Ensure all activity supports UU's commitment to nature, heritage, communities and water safety.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
Lead and develop a central A&R team spanning Commercial Growth, Marketing & Digital, and Visitor Experience.
Build a high‑performance, customer‑focused culture that is collaborative and data‑driven.
Provide coaching, clarity and direction to deliver against ambitious targets.
Navigate regulatory requirements while maintaining commercial momentum.
Commercial Growth & Financial Performance
Set stretching income and performance targets for A&R.
Oversee the commercial pipeline — from concessions and events to parking, activities and water access.
Ensure robust pricing, revenue optimisation and contract performance.
Lead financial planning, business cases, investment proposals and budget management.
Bring experience of landscape contracts, CDM regulations and working with planners, ecologists and landscape architects.
Advise on constraints, risks and delivery timelines to protect project outcomes.
Partnership & Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with operators, land agents, local authorities, NGOs, National Trust, Forestry England and other strategic partners.
Set clear expectations for partner performance, customer experience and brand alignment.
Engage confidently with regulators including Natural England, National Parks and planning authorities.
Communications, Brand & Reputation
Act as the champion for Access & Recreation across the business and beyond.
Ensure transparent messaging on charging, reinvestment and public value.
Work closely with Corporate Communications to promote the A&R brand and manage reputational risks.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting
Establish a clear governance framework covering safety, finance, visitor operations and land use.
Provide regular insight and performance updates to senior leaders and the Board.
Ensure alignment with the 3Rs Land Framework and wider corporate strategy.
What You'll Bring
Strong leadership experience in the environmental, outdoor recreation, visitor attraction or estate management sectors.
Proven success in growing income and developing commercial propositions at scale.
Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams across commercial, operational, marketing and customer functions.
A track record of managing complex partnerships, concessions or externally operated visitor businesses.
Excellent strategic planning, business‑case development and financial acumen.
Ability to balance commercial ambition with environmental, heritage, safety and regulatory considerations.
Confident communicator with strong influencing and negotiation skills.
What You'll Get In Return
Competitive salary and excellent benefits
26 days' holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
Up to 20% bonus
Private medical care
EV car scheme, gym discounts, ShareBuy and flexible benefits
Hybrid working and support for work–life balance
Opportunities for professional development
The chance to make a meaningful difference to communities across the North West
Why United Utilities
We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's most responsible businesses. From investing in green innovation to protecting our region's natural environment, we're committed to doing the right thing for our customers, our people and our planet.
Join us and help shape the future of access, recreation and natural spaces across the North West.