United Utilities
Lead Commercial Manager
How you stack up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Lead Commercial Manager
Lead Commercial Manager
Lead the Commercial Strategy Behind the North West’s Biggest Infrastructure Transformation
Location: Lingley Mere, Warrington (Hybrid) Salary: Competitive + exceptional benefits + £5000 Annual Car Allowance Organisation: United Utilities – FTSE 100
The role
Ready to take the commercial lead on some of the most ambitious, environmentally significant projects in the UK?
At United Utilities, we’re delivering the largest investment in water infrastructure in over a century — and we’re looking for a Lead Commercial Manager to shape how we do it.
This is your chance to influence multi‑billion‑pound decisions, partner with major industry players, and drive commercial excellence across a FTSE 100 organisation with a purpose that truly matters.
Why Join United Utilities?
We’re on a mission to deliver high‑quality water for a greener, healthier, more prosperous North West. As a Lead Commercial Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in making that happen — while enjoying a workplace that values innovation, inclusion, and personal growth.
As a Lead Commercial Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in making that happen — while enjoying a workplace that values innovation, inclusion, and personal growth.
You’ll also benefit from:
26 days’ holiday, rising to 30 with service Up to 21% combined pension contribution 20% annual bonus £5000 Annual Car Allowance Company‑funded private healthcare Hybrid working (3 days on site)
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This is a place where you can grow, excel, and be yourself — all while shaping the future of essential services for millions.
What You’ll Lead
As a Lead Commercial Manager, you’ll head up our Water and Wastewater Build commercial teams — both central to delivering our AMP8 capital programme.
You will:
Lead a high‑performing commercial team delivering best‑practice procurement and contract management Shape and execute strategic category plans that influence the entire organisation Drive value, innovation, and commercial performance across major capital programmes Negotiate high‑value contracts and manage key supplier relationships Champion strong contract governance and supplier performance Provide commercial insight that shapes business strategy and future investment Build powerful relationships with senior leaders, delivery partners, and industry stakeholders Take ownership of developing People, driving Culture & leading Positive Change Play a key role in transitioning the commercial function to new, future‑focused ways of working
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a commercially sharp, strategically minded leader who can operate confidently in a complex, fast‑moving environment.
You are a credible senior commercial leader, comfortable operating at scale and influencing across complex organisational structures.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
You will bring:
Professional qualification as a Quantity Surveyor, with significant experience leading commercial teams Deep technical expertise across NEC frameworks and complex, non‑standard contracts Proven experience managing large‑scale outsourced labour and framework contracts
You’ll need:
A degree (post‑graduate qualifications like CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc are desirable) A track record of delivering commercial change, driving value and savings, and cross‑functional improvements Strong knowledge of procurement in regulated environments or comparative industries Experience in SRM and contract management The ability to influence senior leaders and shape strategic decisions Confidence in exec level engagements and delivering positive influence Confidence navigating commercial agreements in a rapidly evolving landscape
If you thrive on complexity, collaboration, and commercial challenge, you’ll feel right at home here.
Impact
Make Your Mark on the Future of the North West
This is more than a commercial leadership role — it’s a chance to contribute to environmental progress, community wellbeing, and long‑term regional prosperity.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of water infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and become part of the United Utilities family.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills