Graduate Data Scientist

United Utilities; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water service provider in the UK is launching its Graduate Programme in Data & Analytics, offering a starting salary of £31,250. This 3-year programme focuses on essential skills such as data manipulation, statistical analysis, and machine learning, providing opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive environment. The role supports a flexible work-life balance fueled by innovation and a commitment to community service.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holidays

Award-winning pension scheme

Reimbursement for driving lessons

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in Data Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• Strong technical skills in programming, statistical analysis, and data visualisation.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Work with business teams to identify requirements for analytic insight.
• Develop analytic insight based on functional designs.
• Communicate findings via data visualisation to different audiences.

Skills

Programming

Statistical Analysis

Data Visualisation

Critical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration

Education

2:1 degree in Data Science, Mathematics, or 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 worth of investments. The 3-year graduate programme offers first-class training and support with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area to develop the skills needed to progress your career and contribute to the communities we serve. You may join as a graduate, but you will be heading into your next role as a technical, operational or people leader.

Working in the North West provides various opportunities, from the Lake District to city environments. Our main office is in Warrington, with roles across the North West; we operate 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works 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

Join United Utilities’ 3-year Graduate Programme in our Data & Analytics team. The role offers opportunities to learn skills and deliver data products using leading business intelligence and advanced analytics technologies including PowerBI, Python, R and SQL. You’ll develop important Data Scientist skills such as connecting to different data sources, manipulating data types into useful formats, analyzing and visualising data, and applying machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical methods to create insight. Driving value from data is key to delivering services, improving performance, and shaping a sustainable future. Start living your future today!

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 do I need to be successful?

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

• 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.

Additional Information

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• 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.

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

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, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 reimbursed towards driving lessons and tests 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 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 a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible working policies and supportive environment help you 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.