Graduate Surveyor (Land Access and Acquisitions)

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 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.

The role

The role involves supporting major capital projects by securing access to private land, liaising with landowners and stakeholders, preparing land ownership reports, assisting with land acquisitions and compensation negotiations, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Graduates gain early responsibility across a diverse project portfolio while developing expertise in valuation, compulsory purchase and land rights, with the opportunity to work towards RICS chartership. The position combines technical surveying knowledge, stakeholder management and problem-solving, helping to deliver essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the North West.

What you'll be getting stuck into day to day

• You will be given responsibility at an early stage across a wide variety of projects. We'll support you as you develop your understanding of valuation, compulsory purchase and compensation principles, along with the statutory powers available under the Water Industry Act 1991.
• Building strong working relationships with project teams, contractors, suppliers, landowners, occupiers, land agents and other key stakeholders, supporting access to private land across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Identifying land ownership and occupation details and helping to prepare land referencing reports and plans.
• Engaging and liaising closely with a wide range of landowners and occupiers, including private individuals, corporate bodies, land agents, local authorities and statutory bodies, helping to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption.
• Enabling access to private land through the preparation and service of statutory notices, and assisting with the acquisition of land, agreement of easements and other property interests to protect existing assets and deliver new infrastructure.
• Supporting the review, negotiation and settlement of compensation claims arising from project and operational activities.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, internal governance requirements and United Utilities' Code of Practice for Pipelaying in Private Land.
• Being part of a wider network of graduates across the business, providing opportunities to collaborate, learn and develop a broader understanding of United Utilities and the water sector, with the ability to work towards professional chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

What you'll bring to the team

• An interest in land and property with a relevant degree, ideally accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with a range of audiences.
• The ability to build positive working relationships within multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• The ability to identify risks, solve problems and make informed decisions.
• A full UK driving licence, or the ability to obtain one prior to starting, as travel across the Northwest will be required.

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.