Graduate Quantity Surveyor

Job Description

Who are United Utilities?

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 - that's 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?

The role

In this three-year graduate quantity surveyor scheme, you will be supported in working towards Chartered Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors or equivalent).

You will be working in a team and business area that is crucial in the successful delivery of United Utilities’ business needs by providing a professional quantity surveying service. As you grow in experience and expertise across both pre and post-contract roles, you will take on more responsibility and play a key role in the commercial support throughout project lifecycles.

Start living your future today!

What will I be doing?

• Develop a working knowledge of various forms of construction contract (particularly the NEC suite of contracts), becoming a contract subject matter expert.
• Grow in understanding of how to commercially manage construction contracts to ensure that they are delivered in accordance with the contracted terms and conditions and that all issues are mitigated and managed to protect UU commercial interests.
• Supporting the negotiation and resolution of contract claims/disputes and supporting senior managers in the resolution of any escalated issues.
• Supporting the management of pre or post-contract commercial processes and procedures to deliver key commercial requirements on projects. These will include Procurement, Tendering, Contract Formulation, Early Warning and Change Management; Cost Forecasting; Payments; Cost Auditing and agreement of Final Accounts.
• Supporting the production and maintenance of quality commercial / contractual data, providing the commercial function in IAP and concept phases
• Working collaboratively across the commercial directorate and providing commercial expertise and guidance, learning how to communicate and influence contractors, suppliers as well as a wider variety of teams across the company internally.
• Attend progress meetings and site visits providing commercial support to the project team.

What do I need to be successful?

Candidates require a minimum 2:1 accredited Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

You’ll need to have:

• Knowledge and some experience in the use of a broad range of standard forms of construction contract (preferably including NEC suite of contracts)
• Knowledge of key quantity surveying processes, tools and methodologies used across the whole project life-cycle.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work as part of a team and ability to manage time and workload to get things done.
• Be able to be comfortable working flexibly across a range of tasks and activities to deadlines as well as being able to prioritise your time.
• Have excellent computer skills particularly in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel.
• A full UK Driving Licence by the time the scheme commences

Additional Information

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• A MS Teams Interview
• An in-person assessment centre

Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout your recruitment journey, please let us know. If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland.

Application deadline: 30th April 2026 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change

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

Why choose United Utilities for your graduate journey?

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, a £2000 joining bonus, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 reimbursed towards driving lessons and test which can be backdated*. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.

*subject to time restriction and providing valid receipt

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: You’ll have the chance to work within a highly motivated team, gaining a wealth of experience and creating a fantastic professional network. From specialist training to mentoring and coaching to internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity, we’ll support you every step of the way. 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.