At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our 3-year Graduate Programme and lead innovative operational teams in the water industry.
- Company: United Utilities, a key player in water and wastewater services in the North West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual leave, private healthcare, and support for driving lessons.
- Other info: Dynamic roles across diverse locations with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in relevant fields and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31250 - 43750 £ per year.
Job Description
Who are 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 - that's more than £13 billion worth of projects. Now, more than ever, 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 one thing's for sure, before long you'll be heading into your next role as a technical, operational or people leader.
Working in the North West means there's a lot of ground to cover. You could have the opportunity to work in the heart of the Lake District, or you could sample a taste of city life. As well as our main office in Warrington we also recruit for a variety of roles based across the North West; we have 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works in areas 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. Ready to flow into your future with us?
The Role
Join our 3-year Graduate Programme at United Utilities 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 who are looking to develop into key leadership roles within our operational teams, so if you see yourself managing some of our treatment works or networks and the teams that are responsible for providing water and wastewater services to our customers, then this is the scheme for you.
At United Utilities we operate across five counties, each with its own unique needs and priorities. As part of the scheme, you’ll gain exposure to these diverse counties by working both on site and in an office setting. Alongside the county locations, our headquarters is based in Warrington, providing a central hub for regional planning and operations.
We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive culture where all team member’s contributions are valued. You will benefit from a robust support network that offers extensive learning and development opportunities. You'll gain a deep understanding of what it takes to lead one of our teams and manage our operations. This includes the operation and maintenance of our assets and the regulatory and legislative framework governing the water industry. Start living your future today!
What will I be doing?
- The scheme offers fantastic learning and development opportunities through structured placements, formal training, creative innovation challenges and a robust support network, helping you build a successful career in a major utility company.
- As an Operational Future Leader, you’ll enjoy structured placements across various areas like Treatment and Network Operations, County System Performance and our Central Integrated Control Centre, giving you a comprehensive view of our operations and preparing you to lead one of our teams.
- You will develop excellent communication, leadership, and change management skills, motivating teams to improve performance and meet high service standards.
- You’ll learn to think strategically to drive our organisation’s growth, essential for your future success
What do I need to be successful?
We require our graduates to have a minimum 2:1 (or 2:2 with Masters) in any relevant technical, scientific, environmental, engineering or business management degree.
You will need to:
- Be motivated, enthusiastic and have the potential to develop excellent leadership, influencing and communications skills.
- Have good written and interpersonal skills.
- Be an excellent team player, possessing ambition and drive.
- Be able to have the ability to work across a matrix organisation to deliver desired outcomes.
- Be able to work in a variety of different teams from site to office based and be willing to travel to multiple locations in the North West. You may also need to be flexible with working hours at times.
- Have a full UK Drivers licence when the scheme starts (Sep 2026)
- Geographical flexibility across the North West is essential as you will need to travel to different sites (Warrington, Manchester, Blackburn, Fazakerley)
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.
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 which can be backdated*. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.
*subject to time restriction and providing valid receipt
Graduate Future Leader Fazakerley in Liverpool employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and a commitment to innovation in the water industry, our 3-year Graduate Programme equips you with the skills needed for leadership roles while making a meaningful impact in the North West communities we serve. Join us in shaping a greener, healthier future as you explore diverse opportunities across stunning locations from the Lake District to vibrant city life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Future Leader Fazakerley in Liverpool
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like United Utilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like United Utilities.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Future Leader Fazakerley in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to United Utilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of United Utilities. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with United Utilities, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at United Utilities, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for United Utilities could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at United Utilities as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
