Drainage Performance Engineer | Blackburn | Permanent | £48,979/ year
United Utilities is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Drainage Performance Engineer to join our team at Blackburn Wastewater Treatment Works. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, problem solving and making a meaningful impact on the performance of our wastewater network. You will be part of a close knit and supportive team where collaboration, new ideas and continuous improvement are valued every day.
This role offers the chance to work on a wide range of projects, support operational teams, partner with stakeholders across the business and beyond, and play a vital role in ensuring our wastewater network is reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible.
About the Role
As a Drainage Performance Engineer, you will act as the custodian of the drainage plan for your geographical area and take responsibility for improving the performance of the entire wastewater network across both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets.
A key part of the role is shifting the network from reactive activity to a planned and proactive approach. You will analyse performance and predictive data, understand day to day operational challenges and develop programmes of work that reduce flooding, pollution and service interruptions. You will work closely with technicians, project managers, the Environment Agency and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate clear written reports are essential.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a collaborative environment and is comfortable solving complex problems through data analysis, operational insight and cross team engagement. As an onsite role with regular travel within your area, this role requires a full UK driving licence, and a company car will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage and improve drainage performance across your district by developing proactive programmes of work that reduce reactive activity
* Monitor operational performance, understand daily field activity and support prompt resolution of issues
* Analyse network performance and predictive data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
* Ensure full compliance with wastewater network policies, procedures, regulatory requirements and Environment Agency protocols
* Support new development activity to safeguard long term network serviceability
* Ensure that regulatory data submitted to the Integrated Network System is reliable, accurate and complete
* Monitor and manage operational spend by identifying cost effective improvement solutions and reporting variances
* Act as the Responsible Person for health and safety matters within your area of responsibility
* Influence capital programmes by representing wastewater network operations and ensuring assets are designed and built to meet operational needs
* Control trade effluent discharges to protect network integrity and future performance
* Identify investment needs, raise Very Small Projects and Mitigation notes and initiate serviceability work
* Provide technical guidance and support to field teams as required
* Draft high quality written responses for customers, Members of Parliament, councillors and other stakeholders
* Participate in the standby rota
Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone who can work confidently with both people and data, and who enjoys a role with variety and responsibility.
You will bring:
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work confidently across teams, departments and external organisations
* Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, accurate and well structured reports
* Good Excel skills with the ability to interpret and analyse data to support decision making
* Strong problem solving capability and a proactive mindset
* Knowledge of day to day sewer operations and maintenance techniques
* Awareness of Confined Space Regulations 1997
* Good understanding of sewerage law and its practical application
* Familiarity with health and safety standards including CDM and NRSWA
* Knowledge of pumping station operations
* Budget awareness and the ability to support cost estimating
* Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan in the short to medium term
* A collaborative approach with the ability to work closely and effectively within a tight knit team
We welcome candidates with experience in wastewater, drainage, water utilities or other regulated sectors, but we are equally keen to hear from applicants with strong technical, engineering or environmental backgrounds who can bring new ideas and a fresh perspective. While prior qualifications are not essential, a willingness to work toward an HNC in civil engineering or a related subject as part of your development will be an advantage.
Why Join Us
Working at Blackburn Wastewater Treatment Works means joining a dedicated, friendly and experienced team who take pride in what they do. You will have the opportunity to contribute new ideas, make a genuine impact on network performance and build your skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
* A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
* A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
* Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
* A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
* 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
* Enhanced parental leave schemes
If you are analytical, curious, eager to learn and ready for a role that brings challenge, variety and real purpose, we would love to hear from you.
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