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.
* 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 10.5% 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
Job Purpose
Are you ready to join one of the most dynamic and forward‑thinking teams within UU? This is your chance to be at the heart of ground‑breaking innovation: where bold ideas meet real‑world impact!
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on pioneering partnerships that unlock external funding, driving our innovation portfolio to new heights. Now, we’re looking for an internal innovator with the passion, presence, and collaborative spark to ignite fresh ideas and transform them into winning bid proposals.
In this role, you’ll be the master facilitator, orchestrating collaboration, challenging the status quo, and rallying teams to craft compelling bids that capture attention all the way up to board level. Your tenacity and strategic mindset will be key in navigating the exciting world of external funding, with a special focus on the Ofwat Innovation Fund.
You’ll lead the charge in bid management, coordinating resources, securing approvals, and driving projects that push the boundaries of water innovation and efficiency. Collaboration is your superpower working alongside key stakeholders and innovators to fuel our AMP8 goals and shape the future of sustainable water management.
If you’re ready to turn innovation into reality and be part of something truly transformative, this opportunity is for you!
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
* Own the overall bid‑writing process from concept to approvals to submission – including technical, commercial and financial aspects - and writing some aspects personally
* Define and gain Executive approval for the process and governance for accessing and applying to external funding opportunities – and confirm partnering strategy on funding bids
* Forge strong relationships with funding bodies and support organisations, build a network of people in UU and outside across industry and academia
* Working within UU to source candidate ideas suitable for bidding
* Coordinate subject matter experts inside and outside of UU for content
Technical Skills & Experience
* An awareness of bid writing and grant funding applications
* The ability to turn complex technical concepts into simplified, compelling proposals
* Excellent influencing and negotiation skills, ability to adapt negotiating style to audience
* High level of financial acumen
* Experience in evaluation, interpretation and preparation of budgets, business cases
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
* Degree in relevant subject or relevant professional experience
* Must have valid driving licence
About the Team
The Innovation Team are based at Lingley Mere, Warrington in the dedicated Innovation Centre.
The Team plays a leading role to:-
* De‑risk investment / tap into the Ofwat Innovation Fund (>£425 million in AMP8)
* Co‑ordinate a portfolio of innovation investments to deliver >£60m value in AMP8; connecting to c.50 subject matter experts, 45 leaders and Executives
* Provide impactful insights to key departments on new ideas and their relevance
* Use innovation performance to protect and enhance the company’s reputation - and
* Lead employee innovation programmes including the CEO Challenge programme for early career employees
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.
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