Graduate Management Trainee

Southern Water; Brighton; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate graduates for their Graduate Management Trainee program. This two-year scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across various functions in the water industry, driving improvements and championing innovation. With a structured training journey, including a nationally recognized Level 3 Management Apprenticeship, you will develop the skills needed to lead projects and teams effectively. If you're proactive and eager to make a real difference in people's lives while protecting the environment, this is your chance to launch a purpose-driven career with meaningful impact.

Benefits

Structured training and development

Mentorship from experienced leaders

Community project involvement

Networking opportunities with peers

Qualifications

• Graduates from all degree disciplines are welcome.
• Full UK driving licence required for travel across service areas.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements and champion innovation in water services.
• Participate in a structured training and development journey.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree (2:1 or above)

Job description

Graduate Management Trainee page is loaded

Graduate Management Trainee

Apply locations: FALMER, OTTERBOURNE, CHATHAM, Worthing, BUDDS FARM

Time type: Full time

Posted on: Posted 8 Days Ago

Time left to apply: End Date: May 27, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)

Job requisition id: JR5845

Closing Date: 2025-05-26

Job Title: Graduate Management Trainee

Location: We have opportunities available across our region: West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire.

Contract Type: 2 year - FTC

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: Starting salary of up to £32,900 per year

Vacancies open: 8

Timelines: The application deadline is Monday 26th May and all candidates will have received an update on their application by Friday 6th June. We will be holding assessment centres in June/July and the successful candidates will commence their role in September 2025.

We are proud to launch our 2025 Graduate Management Programme – designed to bring forward-thinking, passionate individuals into the heart of our operations to help us shape a resilient and sustainable water future.

AMP8 is all about delivering more for customers and the environment. As a Graduate Management Trainee, you will be central to this effort — driving improvements, championing innovation and playing your part in our mission to deliver water for life.

Would you like to be part of a cultural and environmental shift in how the water industry serves its customers?

Are you ready to make a real difference in people’s lives while helping to protect and preserve our natural environment?

At Southern Water, we provide essential services to over six million customers across the South East of England. As we look ahead to AMP8 — the water industry’s most ambitious period of transformation yet — there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

Why join Southern Water?

Our two-year graduate scheme is more than a stepping stone. It’s your launchpad into leadership. You’ll gain a broad view of our business through rotations across our Water and Wastewater functions, developing the skills and experience you need to lead people, projects, and change.

You’ll receive:

1. A structured training and development journey, including a nationally recognised Level 3 Management Apprenticeship
2. Real responsibility from day one, with the support of experienced mentors and placement managers
3. Opportunities to contribute to community projects and take part in regional events alongside other graduates
4. A network of support from fellow graduates, operational leaders and the wider business

What are we looking for?

We welcome graduates from all degree disciplines who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, a 2:1 or above. You’ll need a full UK driving licence and be able to travel across our service areas in Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, and the Isle of Wight.

You will also need the right to work in the UK on a full-time basis, as we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship.

If you're proactive, curious, and passionate about people and the planet – we want to hear from you.

Are you ready to dive in?

Help us build a better future for the South East. Apply to our Graduate Management Programme and take your first steps towards a purpose-driven career with real impact.