Graduate Junior Project Manager (Preston)

United Utilities; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in the UK is seeking graduates for their 3-year Graduate Programme as Junior Project Managers. The role involves supporting experienced project managers, gaining hands-on experience in delivering projects safely and efficiently across various locations. They offer a competitive starting salary of £31,250, along with extensive training and career progression opportunities, fostering professional growth and work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

26 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holidays

Award-winning pension scheme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with experienced project managers to deliver innovative solutions.
• Gaining exposure to design management and construction management roles.
• Developing project management skills across diverse programmes.
• Engaging in office-based and on-site work across various locations.
• Taking on increasing responsibilities managing projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proactive attitude

Technical awareness

Commercial awareness

Teamwork

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in Project Management, Engineering or scientific subject

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 Investment. Our aim is to attract inspiring talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.

Our 3-year graduate programme provides first-class training and support, with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area. You will develop the skills to progress your career as you make a real contribution to the communities we serve. You may enter as a graduate, but you will work towards becoming a technical, operational or people leader.

Working in the North West offers diverse opportunities across locations, including our main office in Warrington and other sites from Crewe to Carlisle. You could be based in a variety of roles, including 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works across the region.

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 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. You will also need:

• 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: online application form, online tests, and an in-person interview and presentation.

Please note that you must be available to attend in-person interviews during 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. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including 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. 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 work within a highly motivated team, gaining experience and building a professional network. From specialist training to mentoring and coaching and 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 delivering great customer service, protecting the environment, and investing in the region to support future growth.