Overview

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’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 contribution.

Role details
Salary: Competitive Salary
Work Type: Hybrid
Job Location: North West, United Kingdom
Role Type: Permanent
Employment Type: Full Time
Working Hours: 37.0 Hours per Week

Role purpose

We’re looking for a driven Net Zero Engineer to help us shape and deliver our ambitious carbon reduction and sustainability goals. In this pivotal role, you’ll play a key part in strategy into action across energy, water, and carbon initiatives. Whether you’re experienced in energy efficiency, decarbonisation planning, or environmental engineering, this is your chance to work with purpose, influence change, and make a real difference.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance energy, carbon and water efficiency standards across operational sites.
• Lead site workshops, briefings and performance assessments to drive behavioural and operational change.
• Identify and manage efficiency opportunities, quantifying benefits and supporting low/no-cost improvements.
• Analyse performance data and identify areas of wastage, working with teams to drive improvement.
• Support sub-metering strategies and train staff on using energy tools and systems.
• Develop business cases and secure funding for invest-to-save projects, overseeing implementation and benefits realisation.
• Trial, document and roll out successful interventions across multiple sites.
• Embed best practice in collaboration with operational, maintenance and engineering teams.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for operational Energy & Carbon reduction within Water/Wastewater/Bioresource processes.
• Enable compliance with energy & carbon related regulations (e.g. ESOS, Industrial Emissions Directive).
• Mentoring and technical development lead for energy & carbon services.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Good understanding of UUW energy systems – supply to point of use.
• Experienced in root cause analysis.
• Good computer skills including analysis of data using Excel.
• Good presentation skills and comfortable running workshops.
• Experienced in development of business cases for funding.
• Overseeing implementation of capital works, e.g. invest to save projects.
• Working in multi-disciplined teams, e.g. operational engineering teams.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, increasing to 30 days after four years of service (plus 8 bank holidays).
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover.
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, plus recognition awards for outstanding achievements.
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme.
• Wellness and discounts programs including gym memberships, Best Doctors, Salary Finance, and more.
• EVolve Car Scheme, Employee Assistance Plan, mental health support, and flexible benefits.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, you will be well rewarded for your efforts and have opportunities for development that can kick start a thriving career at UU.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at United Utilities.

Note: This description is intended to convey information essential to the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.