Graduate Economist

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 investing £16.5 billion over the next five years in one of the biggest 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 Regulation and Compliance team

As a Graduate Economist, you'll join a structured development programme within our Regulation and Compliance team, gaining hands-on experience applying economic analysis to real business challenges that shape the delivery of water and wastewater services for millions of customers. You'll work on a diverse range of activities, including economic and statistical analysis, regulatory submissions, financial modelling, pricing and tariff analysis, environmental compliance, and supporting major infrastructure projects. Working closely with teams across the business, you'll help inform strategic decision-making while developing a strong understanding of the regulatory environment. Alongside opportunities to broaden your experience through placements across the business and potential support for postgraduate study, you'll be supported by mentors, managers and graduate buddies to help you achieve your career goals and reach your full potential.

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

• As a RAC graduate, you will be given responsibility at an early stage across a wide variety of projects. We’ll expect you to be highly motivated and develop your understanding of how the business works, and how it’s affected by economic regulation, on the job. However, we won’t expect you to know everything from day one, and we’ll support you every step of the way as you learn the ropes.
• The graduate scheme is three years in length over which time you will get the opportunity to work in different teams within RAC and around the business.
• You’ll receive a tailored development programme with 3-12 month placements, based at our head offices, Lingley Mere, in Warrington.
• There is potential for sponsorship for a Masters or other postgraduate qualification subject to suitability and making satisfactory progress in your placements.
• It's fair to say no two days will be the same, as you learn how we manage regulatory risk, maintain good relationships with our regulators and use a wide range of data and information to provide expert regulatory and strategic advice.
• From specialist training to mentoring and coaching, we'll be with you every step of the way. Managers, mentors and graduate buddies will be on hand to support you through your placement, help you set personal targets and make sure you're on the road to success.

What you’ll bring to the team:

Our team has a strong reputation for excellence and as a graduate, you be will an important part of that success. The role will suit applicants with a quantitative background or with knowledge of economics, but we encourage all those interested in the position to apply – this role will draw upon a diverse range of skillsets.

We require graduates to have a minimum 2:1 degree classification in any discipline.

You will need to be:

• Motivated, enthusiastic and curious
• A team player
• A good communicator (both verbally and in writing)
• Able to respond positively to pressure
• Highly organised
• Able to prioritise work
• A keen eye for detail
• Interested in current affairs
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Proficiency with a statistical analysis package is desirable but not required (e.g. Stata, SAS, R)

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

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• An Online application form

• Online tests
• An in-person interview and presentation

Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period 17th November – 11th December

Application deadline: 21st October 2026 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change

Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship