Graduate Programme 2025 – Quantity Surveying

Scottish Water; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Scottish Water seeks motivated graduates for their Quantity Surveying programme, offering a structured pathway to a fulfilling career in infrastructure and sustainability. As part of a dynamic team, you'll drive impactful projects that shape Scotland's future while receiving comprehensive training and mentorship.

Benefits

38 days of holiday

Paid time off for volunteering

Flexible working

Pension plan

Life assurance

Annual bonuses

Qualifications

• Graduated within the last three years or on track to graduate this summer.
• Full UK-issued driving license or in the process of obtaining.
• Strong numerical and data skills.

Responsibilities

• Support essential infrastructure projects and sustainability efforts.
• Gain practical experience in contract and commercial management.
• Develop skills in cost control, contract administration, risk management, and tender analysis.

Skills

Cost Control

Contract Administration

Risk Management

Tender Analysis

Relationship Building

Effective Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field (minimum 2:2 classification)

Job description

Together we are trusted to serve Scotland.

Ready to own your future?

At Scottish Water, our graduate programmes empower you to drive change, tackle real challenges, and shape Scotland’s future. This is more than just a launchpad for your career – it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day.

You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time, as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, great value for money, and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero. Start a career built for you, today.

What you’ll do

As a Quantity Surveying graduate, you’ll support essential infrastructure projects and pioneering sustainability efforts at Scottish Water. Through this programme, you’ll gain practical experience in contract and commercial management across a diverse portfolio, including renewable energy initiatives and core water infrastructure upgrades.

You’ll develop key skills in cost control, contract administration, risk management, and tender analysis—capabilities essential for a successful career in a commercial environment. These impactful projects will help ensure maximum value and alignment with Scottish Water’s strategic vision for Scotland.

Meet the team

Commercial Management: This team provides essential contract and financial oversight within Scottish Water’s capital investment programme, covering routine maintenance and major infrastructure upgrades. They ensure projects align with strategic priorities and deliver sustainable value through cost control, risk management, and procurement. Working from hubs across Scotland, they collaborate with stakeholders to drive high-impact results.

Over two years, you’ll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor, building the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

How does the graduate programme work?

• You’ll be employed on a permanent contract from Day One, with a starting salary of £31,000.
• As you progress and reach milestones, your salary will increase to reward your growth. Upon completing the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to advance into a Quantity Surveyor role, starting from £41,000. For more details, visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/graduates.
• You’ll be part of a cohort of approximately 30 graduates, providing an invaluable network.
• Support includes mentorship and structured training to develop your skills now and in the future.

What you’ll need

You should have graduated within the last three years (or be on track to graduate this summer). Your degree should ideally be in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, with a minimum 2:2 classification.

A full UK-issued (DVLA) driving license or be on track to pass your test is required.

We seek someone great with numbers and data, able to build relationships, communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and meet deadlines.

You must live within commuting distance of one of our main hubs (e.g., Edinburgh, Stepps, Dundee, Inverness).

Additional tips for applicants

• Show us more than grades—share what you’ve learned, your passions, and aspirations.
• Explain why you’re interested in Scottish Water and this role in your cover letter.
• Demonstrate qualities like being Bold, Responsible, Inspiring, and Caring.

Our commitment to you

We value work-life balance, offering 38 days of holiday (including public holidays), with options to buy more. Paid time off for volunteering, family-friendly policies, flexible working, pension, life assurance, and annual bonuses are part of our benefits.

Next steps

• Application deadline: 25th June 2025
• Online assessments and face-to-face interviews in July.
• Pre-employment screening, including criminal record checks.
• Start in September with a week-long induction in Glasgow.

Final notes

If you don’t meet every criterion, apply anyway—everyone has a learning curve. We support applicants with disabilities, neurodiversity, and life challenges. All employees must be Scottish taxpayers and reside in Scotland within three months if relocating. Data from previous applicants over 12 months old will be deleted automatically.

Questions? Contact us at [e-mail].