Graduate Junior Project Manager (Kendal)

United Utilities; Kendal; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the UK is seeking a Graduate Junior Project Manager to join their 3-year Graduate Programme. As part of the Project Management team, you will collaborate with experienced project managers, gain hands-on experience, and manage various projects in a dynamic environment. The role offers a starting salary of £31,250, numerous benefits, and clear career progression paths. Ideal candidates will hold a minimum 2:1 degree or relevant experience, with a full UK driving license.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days of annual leave

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holidays

Award-winning pension scheme

Reimbursement for driving lessons

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field or relevant experience in Project Management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proactive attitude and drive to excel.
• Technical competence to manage project requirements.
• Commercial skills for contract and financial management.
• Full UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with experienced project managers.
• Gain exposure to various project management roles.
• Develop project management skills across diverse programmes.
• Engage in both office and site work across various locations.
• Manage your own projects in the final year.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Proactive attitude

Technical awareness

Commercial awareness

Team-working skills

Driving license

Education

2:1 degree in Project Management, Engineering, or Science

Job description

Overview

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years – that's more than GBP13 billion worth of Investment. 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

Join United Utilities' 3–year Graduate Programme in our Project Management team and kickstart your career! Our project managers are key to delivering our multi–billion pound investment programme, enhancing services for our customers and the environment. As a Graduate Junior Project Manager, you'll support experienced project managers, gaining hands–on experience in managing and delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget. You'll work with interdisciplinary teams, learning from roles in site construction management, risk management, contract and commercial management, and project controls. No two days are the same, with a mix of office and site work across various locations. In your final year, you'll take on more responsibility, managing your own projects or contributing to complex schemes, showcasing your growing competence. Start living your future today!

What will I be doing?

• Collaborating with experienced project managers to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Gaining exposure to various roles including design management, site construction management, risk management, and commercial management.
• Developing your project management skills across diverse programmes in water, wastewater, better rivers and environmental studies.
• Engaging in both office–based and on–site work, covering a wide variety of locations, from Crewe to Carlisle.
• Taking on increasing responsibilities, managing your own projects or contributing to complex schemes.
• Working with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to achieve project goals.

What do I need to be successful?

We require our graduates to have a minimum 2:1 degree in Project Management, Engineering or a Scientific subject, or tangible experience in Project Management alongside another suitable degree.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and collaborate effectively.
• A proactive attitude with the ambition and drive to excel in a fast–paced environment.
• Technical awareness and competence to understand and manage project requirements.
• Commercial awareness to navigate contract management and financial aspects of projects.
• Excellent team–working skills to thrive in an interdisciplinary setting.
• A full UK driving licence (at time of application) to travel between project sites

Additional Information

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• An in–person interview and presentation

Please note that you must be available to attend an in–person interviews during the period 17th November – 19th December

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 GBP31,250 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 GBP500 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.

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.