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The Role
We’re looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to join our team, leading the operation and maintenance of our wholesale assets across the Manchester production sites, with occasional visits to surrounding locations as required.
In this key leadership role, you’ll be accountable for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our production operations. With a strong focus on health and safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, you’ll take ownership of budgets, maintenance strategies, and delivery against our business plan.
You’ll lead a team of direct reports and play a vital role in shaping a positive, high-performing culture. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, you’ll ensure asset issues are identified and resolved quickly, while also maintaining strong external relationships with partners and suppliers.
Role Accountabilities
- Leading the operation and maintenance of wholesale assets across the designated production area.
- Maintaining site operations and associated budgets, including maintenance expenditure.
- Identify and resolve asset performance issues, engaging support where needed.
- Drive improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health and safety.
- Address training needs and close skills gaps within the team.
- Ensure site meets all security and emergency preparedness requirements.
- Contribute to the leadership of the wider wholesale team by sharing best practice and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for a leader who can combine strong operational expertise with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop teams across multiple locations. You'll bring:
- Operational Leadership Across Multi-Site and Remote Locations – Proven experience leading operational teams across geographically dispersed sites, ensuring consistent performance, compliance, communication, and service delivery.
- Experience Managing Safety-Critical Operations – A strong track record of operating within safety-critical environments, with a clear understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance, incident response, and creating a positive safety culture.
- People Leadership & Team Development – Experience building high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, performance management, and capability development.
- Stakeholder Management – The ability to build effective relationships with internal teams, contractors, suppliers, regulators, and external partners to drive operational success.
- Commercial & Budget Management – Experience managing operational and maintenance budgets, balancing cost efficiency with asset reliability and performance.
- Change & Continuous Improvement Leadership – A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and successfully implementing operational, safety, and performance initiatives.
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Essential Skills & Experience
- A full UK driving license is essential for travel across the production areas.
- Strategic Leadership – Proven ability to lead, inspire and drive operational team performance, while embedding a positive and accountable team culture.
- Operational Planning & Clear Communication – Skilled in creating and delivering clear operational plans, with the confidence to communicate effectively at all levels, including in high-pressure or consultative environments.
- 24/7 Operational Awareness – Experience managing services that run around the clock, with a strong understanding of prioritisation, responsiveness, and safety in a continuous operation environment.
- Problem Solving & Risk Response – Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify asset issues early and take swift, appropriate action—whether directly or through escalation.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset – Committed to driving ongoing improvements in compliance, efficiency, and health & safety, while actively sharing best practices across teams and departments.
The Application Journey
The application journey has 4 stages:
- Our Talent Acquisition team will review your CV
- If successful, you’ll be sent to our hiring managers
- Hiring manager review and calibration.
- If selected for interview, we have them in the diary for w/c 3rd August 2026
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About Us
- Salary - Competitive
- Work Type - Onsite
- Job Location - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
- 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
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