At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our People Graduate programme to develop HR skills through diverse placements and impactful projects.
- Company: Yorkshire Water, a leader in essential water services and community support.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32,000, signing bonus, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic two-year programme with mentorship and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in HR while shaping the future of Yorkshire's communities.
- Qualifications: 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, enthusiasm for HR, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 37000 € per year.
People Graduate – Business Manager, Projects & Change Management
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- Starting salary: £32,000, rising to £37,000 by end of year 2
- Extras: £2,000 signing bonus, annual bonus, 25 days holiday + bank holidays + wellness day
- Pension: Up to 12% company contribution
- Permanent substantive role offer upon completion of programme subject to performance
- Flexible Benefits Package – includes health cash plan, critical illness and dental insurance, life assurance flex (with partner cover), retail discounts, online GP access, cycle-to-work scheme, gym membership savings and more.
Location: West Yorkshire with requirement for flexible travel across Yorkshire & Humber.
Work type: 37 hours per week between a working window of 08:00‑18:00 Monday – Friday.
Why Yorkshire Water?
Yorkshire Water delivers essential water and wastewater services to over 5.4 million people. But we’re more than taps and toilets—we protect the environment, support communities, and help shape Yorkshire’s future. From tackling climate change to planning for droughts and floods, we’re solving some of the biggest challenges facing our region and we need talented graduates to help us do it.
Your Graduate Programme
Our two‑year programme offers you five placements across your allocated business area, complemented by a choice of placements to suit your personal development needs in core functions such as Finance, Health & Safety, People and Procurement, enabling you to have a balanced understanding of the business. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, technical and leadership training, and support from mentors, managers, graduate alumni and our Early in Careers team to support you from the day you make the decision to join us. By the end of the scheme, you’ll be ready to step into a permanent role and make a lasting impact.
Your Team
Here at Yorkshire Water our People graduate programme is designed to develop our future leaders of the People function by providing immersive experience across the core disciplines of the HR function. We are looking for highly motivated graduates to join our People team. This unique opportunity is designed for individuals who are passionate about building a career in Human Resources and eager to gain comprehensive exposure to various areas within an HR function through our Rotational Programme.
Over the course of 2 years you will rotate through the core principles of the employee lifecycle giving you exposure to and experience in areas such as Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, People Transformation Projects, Employee Relations, Business Partnering, Internal Communications & Engagement and People Services. Each rotation will provide you with hands‑on experience, mentorship from seasoned functional professionals, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects. You will develop a deep understanding of HR best practices, employment law, organisational culture & inclusivity, and strategic workforce planning.
The programme includes structured training & development, networking opportunities and regular feedback to support your professional growth. You’ll work closely with the business areas, visiting our sites and gaining deep insight into how people strategies fuel performance and growth. Every conversation, every challenge, and every collaboration will help you build the skills and confidence to become a trusted advisor — someone who doesn’t just support the business but helps shape its future.
Your Role
- Business partnering and working with senior management
- Managing employee relations cases, exposure to Trade Unions and people policies and effective implementation
- Building a culture of performance through diversity and inclusion practices
- Identifying attraction, talent and recruitment practices and processes
- Supporting on training, onboarding, leadership learning & development solutions and frameworks
- Contributing to compensation and benefits administration and projects
- Maintaining and supporting People services activities and documentation
- Involvement in internal communication and engagement activities
- Collaborating on People Transformation projects and process improvements
What we’re looking for
- A minimum 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (some roles may accept related disciplines)
- Enthusiasm, curiosity and a drive to succeed
- A willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑changing industry
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in HR
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- UK driving licence and access to own vehicle
Assessment Centres: between 17th November 2025 and 5th December 2025.
We’re proud to serve Yorkshire and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects our communities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Successful candidates will undergo pre‑employment checks, including a Basic Disclosure via a third‑party provider. Some roles may also require Counter Terrorist or Security Check clearance.
Kelda Group reserves the right to close applications early, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full‑time
Job function
- Human Resources
Industries
- Utilities
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People Graduate in Bradford employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic People Graduate programme that not only provides a competitive starting salary of £32,000 with opportunities for growth but also a comprehensive benefits package including a £2,000 signing bonus, wellness days, and extensive training. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience across various HR functions while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of Yorkshire's communities and environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Graduate in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Yorkshire Water on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way in getting your foot in the door and showing your genuine interest in the People Graduate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those assessment centres! Brush up on your HR knowledge and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to diversity and inclusion practices. We want to see your passion for shaping the future of the business!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! During interviews, highlight your communication and teamwork abilities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but how you connect with others and work collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the amazing benefits that come with it!
We think you need these skills to ace People Graduate in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the People Graduate role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with HR functions, like teamwork and communication. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for HR and why you’re excited about joining Yorkshire Water. Let us know what makes you tick and how you can help shape our future.
Showcase Your Enthusiasm:We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the role! In your application, share specific examples of your interest in HR and how you’ve pursued this passion. It’ll make you stand out from the crowd!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Yorkshire Water's mission and values. Understand their role in tackling climate change and how they support communities. This knowledge will help you connect your passion for HR with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your studies or previous experiences that highlight your communication and teamwork skills. Think about times when you successfully collaborated on a project or resolved a conflict—these stories will resonate well.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the People Graduate programme, such as how mentorship is structured or what success looks like in the first year. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Yorkshire Water values diversity and inclusivity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so share your enthusiasm for HR and your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
