Graduate Future Leader (Carlisle)

United Utilities; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company is offering a 3-year graduate programme as an Operational Future Leader. This role involves hands-on training and development in water and wastewater services across the North West of England. Candidates should have a 2:1 degree in any relevant technical field and a passion for leadership. The role offers a competitive starting salary, benefits, and opportunities for career progression in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible working policies

Qualifications

• Be motivated, enthusiastic and have the potential to develop leadership skills.
• Have good written and interpersonal skills.
• Be an excellent team player with ambition and drive.
• Have a full UK Driver's licence when the scheme starts.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured placements and formal leadership training.
• Develop skills in Treatment and Network Operations.
• Lead teams to improve performance and meet service standards.
• Think strategically to drive the organisation’s growth.

Skills

Motivation

Leadership potential

Communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Education

2:1 degree in relevant field

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 projects. The graduate programme provides first-class training and support with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area, helping you develop the skills to progress your career and contribute to the communities we serve.

Across the North West you may work in locations ranging from the Lake District to major cities. Our main office is in Warrington, and we recruit for roles across the region, including 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. You could eventually lead teams as a technical, operational or people leader.

Ready to flow into your future with us?

About The Scheme

Join our 3-year Graduate Programme as an Operational Future Leader and become an integral part of our Water Services or Wastewater Services teams across Cumbria. The scheme is designed for those aiming to develop into leadership roles within our operational teams, including managing treatment works, networks and the teams that deliver water and wastewater services to customers.

We operate across five counties. During the scheme you’ll spend most of your time with the Cumbria county teams, working on site and in an office, with our headquarters in Warrington providing a regional hub for planning and operations.

We foster a supportive and inclusive culture with extensive learning and development opportunities. You will gain a deep understanding of leading teams and managing water and wastewater systems, including operation and maintenance of assets and the regulatory framework governing the water industry.

What will I be doing?

• The scheme offers learning and development opportunities through structured placements, formal leadership training, innovation challenges and a robust support network to build a career in a major utility company.
• As an Operational Future Leader, you’ll have structured placements across areas such as Treatment and Network Operations, County System Performance and the Central Integrated Control Centre, giving you a broad view of operations and preparing you to lead teams.
• You will develop communication, leadership and change management skills, and motivate teams to improve performance and meet high service standards.
• You’ll learn to think strategically to drive the organisation’s growth and your future success.

What do I need to be successful?

Minimum requirements: a 2:1 degree (or 2:2 with a Masters) in any relevant technical, scientific, environmental, engineering or business management field.

You will need to:

• Be motivated, enthusiastic and have the potential to develop leadership, influencing and communication skills.
• Have good written and interpersonal skills.
• Be an excellent team player with ambition and drive.
• Be able to work across a matrix organisation to deliver outcomes.
• Be able to work in a variety of teams from site to office and be willing to travel to multiple locations in the North West; flexible with working hours at times.
• Have a full UK Driver’s licence when the scheme starts (Sep 2026).
• Geographical flexibility across the North West is essential (Carlisle, Kendal).

Additional Information

• Our recruitment process requires you to complete an online application form, online tests, a MS Teams interview, and an assessment centre (2–5 December 2025 in Leigh, Lancashire). In-person attendance is essential.
• 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 reasonable adjustments during recruitment, please let us know.
• Offers are subject to pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Application deadline: 13 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: A starting salary of £31,250, reviewed annually, with 26 days of annual leave (rising to 30 after four years), plus bank holidays. Benefits include private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays and a pension scheme. Driving lesson reimbursement may apply.
• Career Progression Opportunities: Clear pathways for advancement, structured programmes, and mentorship with opportunities for placements in other areas of the business.
• Personal and Professional Development: Working with a motivated team, specialist training, mentoring, and internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity. Sponsorship for master’s or other postgraduate qualifications may be available.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working policies and a supportive environment to help balance career goals with personal life.
• Reputation and Culture: United Utilities is a top inclusive employer committed to delivering great customer service, protecting the environment and investing in the region.