Access & Recreation Implementation LeadLocation: North West England
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Turn Strategy Into Reality Across Some of the North West’s Most Iconic Landscapes
United Utilities manages some of the region’s most treasured outdoor places reservoirs, woodlands, trails and recreation sites enjoyed by millions every year. We’re now looking for a skilled and proactive professional to bring our Access & Recreation (A&R) strategy to life on the ground.
This role is all about making things happen. You’ll take high-level plans and turn them into land-ready, legally compliant, fully deliverable projects that enhance visitor experience, protect the environment and support our long-term land strategy. If you thrive at the intersection of design, planning, permissions and practical delivery, this is your chance to shape the future of recreation across a vast and diverse estate.
What You’ll Be DoingProject Delivery
*Translate A&R strategy into practical, deliverable projects across multiple sites.
*Ensure every scheme aligns with organisational objectives and delivers exceptional visitor experiences.
Land Consents & Compliance
*Lead on securing all landowner permissions, statutory consents and regulatory approvals.
*Ensure full compliance with planning law, environmental legislation, heritage requirements and operational constraints.
*Apply key legislation including the Water Industry Act, CROW, byelaws, rights of way and PSPOs.
Estate Planning, Design & Site Layout
*Shape the design of visitor infrastructure such as trails, car parks, gateways and water access points.
*Commission feasibility studies, layout drawings and constraints mapping.
*Ensure designs protect water quality, habitats, heritage assets and community amenity.
Infrastructure & Enabling Works
*Manage enabling works including car park upgrades, water access points, signage programmes and small capital improvements.
*Work closely with Engineering and Capital Delivery to unlock income and visitor benefits.
Contractor, Consultant & Partner Management
*Procure and manage consultants including planners, ecologists, land specialists and technical experts.
*Ensure compliance with CDM, health & safety and environmental standards.
*Carry out inspections, quality assurance and sign-off for completed works.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
*Liaise with councils, statutory bodies, community groups, volunteers and landowners.
*Communicate proposals clearly, including constraints, impacts and mitigation.
*Present confidently to senior leaders and external partners.
Environmental, Water Quality & Heritage Protection
*Ensure all works protect sensitive habitats, watercourses, heritage assets and designated sites.
*Lead ecological mitigation planning with specialist teams.
*Promote sustainable access and nature-positive design.
Operational Integration & Handover
*Prepare handover documentation including drawings, maintenance plans and safety files.
*Support operational teams to ensure smooth transition into long-term management.
Continuous Improvement & Portfolio Insight
*Identify opportunities to improve access, visitor flow, infrastructure and environmental performance.
*Capture lessons learned and apply


What You’ll Get in Return*Competitive salary and excellent benefits
*26 days’ holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
*Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
*Up to 10.5% bonus
*Private medical care
*EV car scheme, gym discounts, ShareBuy and flexible benefits
*Hybrid working and support for work–life balance
*Opportunities for professional development
*The chance to make a meaningful difference to communities across the North West
Why United Utilities
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s most responsible businesses. From investing in green innovation to protecting our region’s natural environment, we’re committed to doing the right thing for our customers, our people and our planet.
Join us and help shape the future of access, recreation and natural spaces across the North West.