Graduate Junior Project Manager (Warrington)

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

Job summary

A leading water services organization in the United Kingdom is offering a Graduate Junior Project Manager position as part of their 3-year Graduate Programme. This role involves collaborating with experienced project managers, gaining hands-on experience in delivering innovative projects in water and environmental studies. The successful candidate will receive a competitive starting salary of £31,250 with opportunities for career progression and personal development. The ideal applicant will hold a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject and possess strong interpersonal and team-working skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holidays

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Candidates must have 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 is essential.
• Technical awareness to understand and manage project requirements is necessary.
• Commercial awareness to navigate contract management and financial aspects of projects is required.
• Excellent team-working skills to thrive in interdisciplinary settings are mandatory.
• A full UK driving licence at the time of application is needed to travel between project sites.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with experienced project managers to deliver innovative solutions.
• Gain exposure to design management, site construction management, and risk management.
• Develop project management skills across diverse programmes in water and environmental studies.
• Engage in office-based and on-site work, managing projects or contributing to complex schemes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proactive attitude

Technical awareness

Commercial awareness

Team-working skills

Education

2:1 degree in Project Management, Engineering or a Scientific subject

Job description

Overview

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. The organisation plans more than £13 billion of investment over the next 100 years to improve water and wastewater services. A 3-year graduate programme provides training and in-depth understanding of a chosen business area to develop skills for progression as a technical, operational or people leader.

Working in the North West offers varied locations, including potential work in the Lake District or city environments. The main office is in Warrington, with roles across the North West. We have 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works, spanning from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria.

Ready to flow into your future with us?

The Role

Join United Utilities\' 3-year Graduate Programme in our Project Management team. Our project managers deliver the multi-billion pound investment programme, enhancing services for 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 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 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 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 £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.
• 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 strong 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.