United Utilities Access & Recreation: Be Part of Something New

Location: North West England

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits

Travel: Regular site visits across the North West

United Utilities is investing in a brand new Access & Recreation team, a bold investment in how we open up our land, reservoirs and visitor spaces for the benefit of communities, nature and future generations. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new commercial, environmental and visitor focused function from the ground up.

We’re recruiting three pivotal roles to accelerate our commercial growth, enhance visitor experiences and deliver high quality, sustainable recreation across our estate.

The Roles

1. Access& Recreation Manager (Band 3)

A senior commercial leader responsible for driving substantial year-on-year income growth across our recreation estate. You’ll shape a scalable commercial model, develop high-value propositions, optimise revenue streams and lead commercial strategy across parking, concessions, activities, events, retail and more.

You will:

• Deliver ambitious annual revenue targets
• Develop pricing, product and revenue optimisation strategies
• Build a 3–5 year commercial growth plan
• Lead commercial tenders and partner performance management
• Deliver new revenue-generating assets and experiences
• Use data and insight to drive decisions
• Influence senior leaders and external partners
• Balance commercial ambition with environmental and heritage constraints

You bring:

A proven track record of commercial growth in visitor attractions, leisure, outdoor recreation, tourism or similar sectors, plus strong financial, analytical and negotiation skills.

2. Access & Recreation Development Lead (Band 4a)

A commercially focused role supporting the development and delivery of new income-generating opportunities across the estate. You’ll help shape propositions, build business cases, manage partners and deliver projects that enhance visitor experience and drive revenue.

You will:

• Support delivery of annual revenue targets
• Develop commercial propositions and business cases
• Benchmark against leading recreation organisations
• Improve performance of concessionaires and operators
• Deliver new visitor assets and seasonal offers
• Use data, footfall and pricing insight to refine propositions
• Work collaboratively with environmental and heritage stakeholders

You bring:

Experience growing revenue across multiple streams, strong commercial acumen and the ability to turn insight into action.

3. Access & Recreation Implementation Lead (Band 4a) 

The operational and technical specialist who turns strategy into land-ready, legally compliant, fully deliverable projects. You’ll lead on land permissions, estate design, access planning, infrastructure upgrades and enabling works across multiple sites.

You will:

• Lead land-based due diligence and secure all necessary consents
• Manage planning, SSSI, heritage and environmental approvals
• Provide professional land and estate design input
• Deliver car parks, trails, gateways, signage and visitor infrastructure
• Manage consultants, contractors and technical specialists
• Ensure compliance with CDM, H&S and environmental standards
• Engage councils, statutory bodies and community groups
• Protect water quality, habitats and heritage assets
• Oversee handover, maintenance plans and safety files

You bring:

Experience in land management, estate design, planning, environmental compliance or recreation infrastructure delivery.

Why Join United Utilities?

You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to environmental stewardship, community benefit and long-term sustainability. You’ll also enjoy:

• 26 days’ holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Strong bonus scheme (role level dependent)
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
• Company-funded healthcare plan & private medical
• Gym discounts, EV car scheme, ShareBuy and flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave
• Mental health first aiders and employee assistance support

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.