Overview
Join to apply for the Graduate Future Leader (Blackburn) role at United Utilities.
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 — thats more than £13 billion worth of projects. We need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.
Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, our 3-year graduate programme will give you first-class training and support, together with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area – so that you can develop the skills you need to progress your career as you make a real contribution to the communities we serve. You might enter our scheme as a graduate, but before long youll be heading into your next role as a technical, operational or people leader.
Working in the North West means theres a lot of ground to cover. You could work in the Lake District or sample city life. Our main office is in Warrington and we recruit for a variety of roles across the North West (575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria).
Whichever scheme you join, you’ll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry.
The Role
Join our 3-year Graduate Programme as an Operational Future Leader and become an integral part of our innovative Operational teams across the North West region. This 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.
Youll gain exposure to five counties by working both on site and in an office setting. Our headquarters is based in Warrington, providing a central hub for regional planning and operations. You will benefit from a supportive culture with extensive learning and development opportunities. Youll gain a deep understanding of leading teams and managing operations, including the operation and maintenance of assets and the regulatory framework governing the water industry.
Ready to flow into your future with us?
What will I be doing?
* The scheme offers learning and development opportunities through structured placements, formal training, innovation challenges and a strong support network to build a successful career in a major utility company.
* As an Operational Future Leader, you will have structured placements across areas such as Treatment and Network Operations, County System Performance and the Central Integrated Control Centre, giving you a comprehensive view of operations and preparation to lead a team.
* Develop leadership, communication and change management skills to motivate teams and meet high service standards.
* Learn to think strategically to drive the organisations growth and your future success.
What do I need to be successful?
Minimum 2:1 (or 2:2 with a Masters) in any relevant technical, scientific, environmental, engineering or business management degree.
* Motivated, enthusiastic with potential to develop leadership, influencing and communication skills.
* Good written and interpersonal skills.
* Excellent team player with ambition and drive.
* Ability to work across a matrix organisation to deliver outcomes.
* Willing to work across multiple locations in the North West and travel; flexibility with working hours may be required.
* Full UK driving licence when the scheme starts (Sep 2026).
* Geographical flexibility across the North West is essential (Warrington, Manchester, Blackburn, Fazakerley).
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete: online application form, online tests, MS Teams interview, and an assessment centre between 2-5 December 2025 in Leigh, Lancashire. In-person attendance is essential.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, please let us know. Any offer will be subject to pre-employment checks including DBS disclosures.
Application deadline: 13 October 2025 – please apply early as deadlines may change. Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Benefits and culture: United Utilities offers a competitive starting salary and benefits package, with opportunities for progression and sponsorship for further qualifications. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Expiry
Not expired.
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