The Role
This is your opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role that shapes the performance and sustainability of our energy generation assets. As Energy Generation Operations Manager, you’ll be at the heart of delivering optimum availability and efficiency across a significant asset base that powers renewable energy creation. Currently generating over £19 million in annual revenue—and set to grow significantly throughout AMP8—this role offers real impact and responsibility.
Reporting directly to the Regional Energy Generation Manager, you’ll lead a skilled team of 7–10 CHP Field Service Engineers, a CHP Technical Officer, and other internal and external specialists. Together, you’ll ensure our operations meet regulatory, health and safety, financial, and environmental standards while driving performance at the lowest sustainable cost. You’ll manage day-to-day delivery of contracted services, oversee financial management, and influence both OPEX and CAPEX projects to continuously improve asset reliability and efficiency.
This is more than an operational role—it’s about inspiring a high-performing team, managing complex budgets, and ensuring compliance while contributing to the future of renewable energy.
Role Accountabilities
* Lead and inspire the Energy Generation team, promoting organisational culture, values, and reputation to deliver the United Utilities vision.
* Motivate and engage employees by creating a stimulating environment that recognises achievement, encourages communication, and supports development to maximise performance.
* Oversee the day-to-day delivery of contracted services for Energy Generation assets.
* Manage performance, provide technical support, and ensure training and development of direct reports in line with HR policies, including regular one-to-one meetings and reviews.
* Escalate non-routine people management issues to the Regional Energy Generation Manager.
* Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety requirements through proactive identification of training needs, implementation of strategies, and effective management of daily activities.
* Control operations and maintenance budgets, monitor financial performance, report monthly, secure funding for small capital works, and account for reactive capital costs appropriately.
* Manage service contracts and workload peaks, ensuring resources are planned effectively.
* Lead maintenance delivery for Sludge to Energy assets, ensuring optimum availability for heating and renewable electricity generation.
* Ensure all team activities meet regulatory and statutory obligations.
* Maintain compliance with legal and company standards, with a strong focus on Health & Safety to create a safe working environment and minimise risk.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Qualified to degree level in a relevant discipline
* Experienced professional with a proven track record in a process / industrial environment. CHP and Energy Generation technical knowledge over a broad range of assets will be required to ensure the delivery of effective performance.
* High level of understanding of health and safety and environmental legislation relevant to Wastewater Operations.
* Good understanding of wider business issues across all levels of the Company's operation is key.
* Good leadership and communication skills are required to motivate, manage performance and develop a large team of people to achieve their maximum level of performance.
* Demonstrate high levels of managerial skills to ensure the delivery of financial plans and key performance targets.
* Well-developed analytical skills and the ability to identify, develop and drive through solutions to a wide range of financial, technical and managerial problems.
About Us
Salary - Competitive Salary
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
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.
Benefits
* 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
* MORE Choices flexible benefits
* Enhanced parental leave schemes
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.