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- Tasks: Join our 3-year Graduate Programme and lead innovative operational teams across the North West.
- Company: United Utilities, a top inclusive employer dedicated to water and wastewater services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, flexible holidays, and support for driving lessons.
- Why this job: Develop leadership skills while making a real impact on communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in relevant fields; motivated, enthusiastic team players with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working policies and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
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 members’ 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.
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.
- 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 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).
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. You will receive 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 will be reimbursed towards driving lessons and tests, subject to time restriction and providing a valid receipt. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award‑winning pension scheme.
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 includes specialist training, mentoring, coaching and internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity. 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. 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. 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?
Graduate Future Leader (Blackburn) in Manchester employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Future Leader (Blackburn) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at United Utilities on LinkedIn or attend local career fairs. Building connections can give us insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. We want to see how you fit into our supportive and inclusive environment, so be ready to share your thoughts on teamwork and leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, we love hearing about how you've tackled challenges in the past. Think of examples that highlight your ability to lead and innovate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Future Leader (Blackburn) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Future Leader role. Highlight your leadership potential and any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your ability to manage teams and operations.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for the water industry and commitment to sustainability shine through in your written application. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm for making a positive impact in the North West region, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in complex sentences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the water industry and United Utilities' role in it. Brush up on key terms related to water treatment and wastewater services, as well as the regulatory framework. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
Since this role is about becoming a future leader, be prepared to discuss examples of when you've demonstrated leadership skills. Think about times when you've motivated a team or led a project, even if it was in a university setting. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Practice how you would handle specific challenges in operational settings, such as managing a team during a crisis or improving service standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training opportunities available, the company culture, or how success is measured in the graduate programme. It shows you're engaged and serious about your future with the company.