Who are United Utilities?
We are known for keeping the taps flowing and toilets flushing throughout the North West, but we also pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service, protecting and enhancing the environment and caring for our communities. We invest in the region to support future growth, address climate change and work in partnership to improve river health.
We are looking for motivated graduates from all backgrounds to help make the North West greener, healthier, and stronger. By joining our graduate scheme, you'll play a crucial role in securing efficient, reliable water resources for customers across the North West.
Whichever scheme you join, you'll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry. Ready to live your future?
Why choose United Utilities for your graduate journey?
Career Progression Opportunities: Our graduate scheme offers clear pathways for advancement, structured programmes, and mentorship to help you develop into an outstanding leader. You'll receive a tailored development programme, with opportunities for placements in other areas of the business.
Personal and Professional Development: You'll have the chance to work within a highly motivated team, gaining a wealth of experience and creating a fantastic professional network. From specialist training to mentoring and coaching to internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity, we'll support you every step of the way. There is also potential for sponsorship for a master's or other postgraduate qualifications.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible working policies and supportive work environment ensure you can achieve this balance while pursuing your career goals.
Our Reputation and Culture: United Utilities is proud to be one of the UK's top inclusive employers. We are a responsible business that cares about delivering great customer service, protecting the environment, and investing in the region to support future growth.
Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive starting salary of £30,000, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.
About the scheme
Join United Utilities' 3-year Graduate Programme in our Strategy, Policy and Regulation (SPaR) team and kickstart your career! In our SPaR department, you'll work within a motivated team known for delivering excellent service to our customers. You'll gain experience across the organisation, collaborating with professionals from various fields and building a strong professional network. You'll also receive a tailored development programme with opportunities for placements in other business areas and potential sponsorship for further studies. The SPaR team handles diverse tasks, from providing economic advice and drafting regulatory submissions to conducting statistical analysis and supporting financial modelling. Mentors, managers, and graduate buddies will support you as you work towards your personal development goals. Start living your future today!
What will I be doing?
- As a SPaR graduate, you'll dive into diverse projects right from the start, gaining hands-on experience and understanding how our business operates within economic regulations. Don't worry if you don't know everything from day one—we'll support you every step of the way as you learn the ropes.
- Over the three-year graduate scheme, you'll rotate through different teams within SPaR and across the business, broadening your skills and knowledge.
- You'll benefit from a tailored development programme with 3-12 month placements at our head offices in Lingley Mere, Warrington.
- There's potential for sponsorship for a master's or other postgraduate qualification, depending on your progress and suitability.
- No two days will be the same as you learn to manage regulatory risk, maintain strong relationships with our regulators, and use data to provide expert advice.
- From specialist training to mentoring and coaching, we'll be with you every step of the way. Managers, mentors, and graduate buddies will support you throughout your placement, helping you set personal targets and ensuring you're on the path to success.
What do I need to be successful?
We require our graduates to have a minimum 2:1 degree classification in any discipline, and this programme will suit those from a quantitative background or knowledge of economics.
You will also need to be:
- Motivated, enthusiastic and curious
- An excellent team player
- An excellent communicator (both verbally and in writing)
- Able to respond positively to pressure
- Highly organised and able to prioritise work
- A keen eye for detail
- Interested in current affairs
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete:
- A deductive and numerical reasoning test
- A one-way video interview
- An assessment centre, which will take place between 27th November - 6th December 2024.
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 2024