Production Manager - Wastewater

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 Barrow production site, 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 Process Operators, Process Controllers, Field Service Engineers, and Apprentices , 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.

Progression Opportunities

This role offers excellent potential for career development within United Utilities. As a Production Manager, you will gain comprehensive exposure to all aspects of operational management, including leadership, compliance, asset performance, and strategic planning. This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for progression into more senior operational leadership roles within the business.

We’ve seen individuals in similar roles successfully progress to positions such as Treatment Delivery Manager , Network Delivery Manager and onto County Business Leader , demonstrating the clear pathways available for ambitious leaders.

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.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship

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.