Graduate (Project Controls and Planning)

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 our Project Controls team

As a Project Controls Graduate, you'll develop the skills and experience needed to support the successful delivery of our Capital Programme. Working within our Programme Management Office (PMO), you'll gain valuable insight into how large-scale projects are planned, monitored and managed, helping to ensure they are delivered efficiently and provide value for our customers and communities.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals, learning how to apply project controls techniques including planning, scheduling, cost management and risk analysis. Through a combination of structured development and hands-on experience, you'll build a strong understanding of how projects are governed and delivered, while developing the confidence to contribute to key decisions and continuous improvement across our programme portfolio.

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

• Develop and apply planning skills to create and maintain robust project schedules, ensuring timely and successful delivery.

• Support cost management on a wide range of projects, providing analysis and insights to drive successful outcomes.

• Contribute to a consistent and effective approach to risk and opportunity management across the project lifecycle.

• Build confidence and capability in using digital systems, with opportunities to develop skills in data analytics.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of projects.

• Engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across the business to support project success.

• Take initiative and work independently while receiving mentorship from senior project controllers.

• Participate in impactful initiatives and activities that will help to shape the future of the organisation.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• We require our graduates to have a minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant technical, scientific, data, or engineering field.

• Motivation and enthusiasm, with the potential to develop strong leadership and communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive mindset • The drive to excel in a fast-paced environment and adapt to various roles

• Analytical and critical thinking skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Proficient in MS Excel and comfortable working with digital tools and systems.

• Willingness to travel and flexibility with working hours when needed.

• Full UK Driving Licence will be required when the scheme starts

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.

• 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