Graduate Buyer

About us

Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. We're now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It's an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.

What you can expect being a graduate in the Commercial team

As a Graduate Buyer in our Commercial team, you'll help ensure United Utilities secures the goods, services and partnerships needed to deliver vital services across the Northwest. Working closely with colleagues and suppliers, you'll build commercial expertise, develop strong stakeholder management skills and gain exposure to a wide range of procurement activities. Supported by experienced mentors, you'll contribute to projects that drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability, helping us deliver great value for our customers while supporting our long-term business strategy and environmental ambitions.

What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:

• Supporting sourcing and procurement activities to help secure goods and services that deliver value for money.
• Analysing spend, supplier and market data to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements and innovation.
• Supporting contract management activities to ensure suppliers meet agreed service, quality and sustainability standards.
• Developing your commercial awareness by monitoring market trends, risks and opportunities within key supply categories.
• Contributing to United Utilities' sustainability and social value goals by supporting responsible sourcing and ethical procurement practices.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• A degree (or predicted degree) in any subject, along with a passion for building a career in procurement and commercial management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review information, identify trends and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to build relationships and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The confidence to work through challenges, adapt to change and remain resilient in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and curious mindset, always looking for ways to challenge the norm and drive continuous improvement.

Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?

By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first-class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.

What's in it for you?

We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.

• Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution
• Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
• We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road

Want to learn more about life at United Utilities and explore our full benefits package? Take a look at our Flexa profile here: United Utilities | Verified Employers | Flexa Careers

Our commitment to opportunity for all

We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are;

• GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
• Multi-Cultural & Faith
• LGBTQ+
• Armed Forces
• Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions

We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require. Rest assured, we don't use AI to screen your application at any stage of the process. A real person will review your application.

To ensure a fair recruitment process, we ask that you apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year. Take a look at all our opportunities and apply for the one that interests you most.

Key dates to consider:

• Applications close on 21st October 2026.
• Once applications have closed, a member of the Early Careers team will review your application to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for your chosen role.
• We anticipate this review process may take up to two weeks following the closing date.
• Interviews are expected to take place between 17th and 30th November.