Graduate Data Scientist

UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC; England; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the UK is offering a 3-year Graduate Programme in their Data & Analytics team. This role focuses on data product development with tools like PowerBI, Python, and SQL. Competitive starting salary of £31,250, alongside benefits like private healthcare and a mentoring programme. Candidates should have a minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field. Apply by 13th October 2025.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holidays

Award-winning pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong technical skills in programming, statistical analysis, and data visualisation.
• Critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Work with business teams to identify requirements for analytic insight.
• Develop analytic models and visualisations for decision-making.
• Communicate findings via data visualisation.

Skills

Programming

Statistical analysis

Data visualisation

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field

Tools

PowerBI

Python

R

SQL

Job description

Overview

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 - more than £13 billion of investments. Our 3-year graduate programme provides first-class training and support, with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area to help you develop the skills to progress your career while contributing to the communities we serve.

Join United Utilities' 3-year Graduate Programme in our Data & Analytics team and kickstart your career. This role will give you the opportunity to learn skills and deliver data products using leading business intelligence and advanced analytics technologies including PowerBI, Python, R and SQL. You will develop skills for a Data Scientist role, such as connecting to different data sources, manipulating data types, analysing and visualising data, and applying machine learning, AI and statistical methods to create insight from data. Driving value from data is key to delivering services and improving performance. This is your chance to make a real impact and help shape a sustainable future.

What will I be doing?

• Work with business teams to identify requirements and understand where analytic insight can add value.
• Develop analytic insight based on functional designs and user requirements.
• Develop a technical understanding and knowledge of key infrastructure and analytics tools.
• Develop analytical models and visualisations to support strategic and operational decision making.
• Communicate findings via data visualisation to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Implement data models and data quality business rules and front-end user experience.
• Ensure compliance with relevant corporate policies regarding data security and processing.
• Build statistical models from the data and follow best coding practices.
• Adhere to ethics framework for data analytics.
• Adopt a culture of continuous improvement.
• Work in an open, transparent and collaborative manner, sharing good practice and seeking to continuously improve the quality of outputs.
• Develop services that are automated, reliable and secure.
• Work closely with data architects, data engineers, data managers, data owners and data developers.
• Recommend and implement ways to improve data efficiency, performance and reliability.

What you will need

We require our graduates to have a minimum 2:1 degree in Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field.

• Strong technical skills in programming, statistical analysis, and data visualisation.
• Critical thinking and proactive problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaboration skills to work across different teams and achieve goals.
• Flexibility to work in various teams and travel if needed.
• Embrace challenges and be resourceful.

Recruitment process

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• Online MS Teams Interview and then Assessment Centre

Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period 17th November - 19th December.

Equal opportunity

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: 13th October 2025 - please apply early as deadlines are subject to change

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

Benefits and culture

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, 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 experience and building a 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 environment help you pursue 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.