Overview
United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 2025-2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years - more than £13 billion worth of projects. Our 3-year graduate programme provides training and development to help you progress into technical, operational or people leadership roles while contributing to the communities we serve.
Join our 3-year Graduate Programme as an Operational Future Leader and become an integral part of our Water Services or Wastewater Services teams across Cumbria. The scheme is for those looking to develop into key leadership roles within our operational teams, including managing treatment works or networks and the teams that provide Water and Wastewater Services to customers.
We operate across five counties, with the Cumbria county teams focusing on site and office work. Our headquarters is in Warrington, providing a central hub for regional planning and operations. We foster a supportive and inclusive culture with extensive learning and development opportunities to help you lead teams and manage water and wastewater systems within the regulatory framework.
Start living your future today!
What will I be doing?
* The scheme offers learning and development opportunities through structured placements, formal leadership training, innovation challenges and a robust support network to help you build a career in a major utility company.
* As an Operational Future Leader, you will have placements across areas such as Treatment and Network Operations, County System Performance and our Central Integrated Control Centre, giving you a comprehensive view of operations and preparing you to lead one of our teams.
* You will develop leadership, communication and change management skills to motivate teams and improve performance to meet high service standards.
* You will think strategically to drive the organisation’s growth and support your future success.
What do I need to be successful?
Minimum 2:1 (or 2:2 with Masters) in a relevant technical, scientific, environmental, engineering or business management degree.
You will need to:
* Be motivated, enthusiastic and develop leadership, influencing and communication skills.
* Have good written and interpersonal skills.
* Be an excellent team player with ambition and drive.
* Be able to work across a matrix organisation to deliver outcomes.
* Be able to work in multiple locations across the North West and travel as required; willingness to be flexible with working hours.
* Have a full UK Drivers licence when the scheme starts (Sep 2026).
* Geographical flexibility across the North West is essential (Carlisle, Kendal).
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete:
* An Online application form
* Online tests
* MS Teams Interview
* An assessment centre, which will take place between 2nd - 5th December 2025 in Leigh, Lancashire. In person attendance is essential.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout your recruitment journey, please let us know. If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland.
Application deadline: 13th October 2025 - please apply early as deadlines are subject to change
Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Why choose United Utilities for your graduate journey?
* Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive starting salary of £31,250 which is reviewed each year and will increase annually throughout your graduate scheme, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 reimbursed towards driving lessons and test. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.
* Career Progression Opportunities: Clear pathways for advancement, structured programmes, and mentorship to help you develop into an outstanding leader with opportunities for placements in other areas of the business.
* Personal and Professional Development: Work within a motivated team, gaining experience and building a professional network, with specialist training, mentoring, coaching and internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity. Potential sponsorship for master’s or other qualifications exists.
* Work-Life Balance: Flexible working policies and a supportive environment to help maintain balance while pursuing career goals.
* Our Reputation and Culture: United Utilities is committed to being an inclusive employer, delivering great customer service, protecting the environment and investing in the region.
#J-18808-Ljbffr