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- Tasks: Coordinate and enhance graduate programmes, supporting future leaders in their development.
- Company: South West Water, committed to innovation and sustainability in the beautiful South West.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, competitive salary, health benefits, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team and make a real impact on future talent development.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing graduate programmes and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 77000 £ per year.
AtSouth West Waterwe believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations – with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We\’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we\’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, .
About the Role
As we continue to invest in early careers development, we\’re seeking a Graduate Partner to support the delivery and evolution of our graduate programmes. This role is ideal for someone who\’s passionate about nurturing future leaders, understands graduate development pathways, and thrives on creating structured, engaging, and high-impact learning experiences.
In the short to medium term, the focus will be on coordinating placements, enhancing programme design, and strengthening relationships with universities to attract high-potential talent. Over time, the role will expand to include broader responsibilities across early careers-such as supporting leadership development initiatives, contributing to talent pipeline planning, and ensuring our graduate programmes remain aligned with business needs and future skills.
This role will be based in Exeter or Bristol but there will be occasional travel between sites across the business including Bournemouth and Redhill.
What You\’ll Be Doing:
- Coordinate the delivery of graduate programmes, including onboarding, rotations, and development activities.
- Partner with hiring managers to design meaningful graduate placements and experiences.
- Support the integration of coaching, mentoring, and career development into graduate pathways.
- Monitor and report on graduate programme metrics including attraction, retention, progression, and performance.
- Ensure alignment of graduate programmes with workforce planning and succession strategies.
- Contribute to employer branding and outreach activities targeting graduate audiences.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in graduate programme design and delivery.
- Lead strategic partnerships with universities and industry bodies to co-create future-focused graduate pathway.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of graduate attraction, development, and progression.
- Utilise data and insights to inform graduate programme design, identify trends, and drive evidence-based decisions.
- Engage senior leaders in graduate development through sponsorship, advocacy, and visibility initiatives.
- Introduce innovative learning approaches that reflect generational expectations and leverage emerging technologies to maximise impact.
What We\’re Looking For:
- Experience supporting or managing graduate programmes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of graduate recruitment and development best practices.
- Experience with programme coordination, learning design, and evaluation.
- Enthusiastic about supporting early career development and future talent.
- Strong communicator with the ability to inspire and engage graduates.
- Organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Collaborative and confident in working across teams and with external partners.
- Committed to inclusive practices and continuous learning.
- Insight-driven and proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement.
What\’s In It For You?
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We\’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
£50,000 – £55,000 a year
Closing Date: 14th October 2025.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You – We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Graduate Partner employer: South West Water Limited
Contact Detail:
South West Water Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their values and culture. Dive into their commitment to net-zero and community partnerships. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their mission too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share experiences that highlight your passion for graduate development and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at South West Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for graduate development shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about nurturing future leaders and creating impactful learning experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Partner role. Highlight your understanding of graduate recruitment and development best practices, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application in our system.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Limited
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research South West Water. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives, especially around sustainability and graduate development. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Graduate Development
Since the role focuses on nurturing future leaders, be prepared to discuss your experiences or ideas related to graduate programmes. Share specific examples of how you've supported or managed similar initiatives, and highlight your enthusiasm for creating engaging learning experiences.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the importance of relationship-building in this role, think about times when you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you can strengthen partnerships with universities and hiring managers to attract top talent.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability and Organisational Skills
The job requires managing multiple priorities, so be ready to share examples of how you've effectively juggled tasks in the past. Highlight your organisational strategies and any tools you use to stay on top of your responsibilities, demonstrating that you're well-equipped for the dynamic nature of the role.