Graduate Project Manager

Avove; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities infrastructure company in the UK is seeking a Graduate Project Manager to join their team in North Derbyshire/South Yorkshire. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project delivery for water and wastewater projects. Graduates from various disciplines are welcomed, and the company offers a competitive salary along with numerous benefits, including 24 days of holiday and a pension scheme.

Benefits

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Private GP helpline & health cash plan

Avove discount scheme

Family-friendly policies

Lifestyle benefit options

Financial wellbeing programme

Employee assistance programme

Volunteering days and charity matched giving

Qualifications

• Graduating in 2026 or already graduated is required.
• Eager to learn and take initiative.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring project progress and financial performance.
• Supporting cost tracking and financial reporting.
• Collaborating with in-house design teams.
• Managing stakeholder communications for project smoothness.
• Creating and managing project programmes.
• Supporting delivery teams during project construction.
• Approving invoices and managing payments.
• Understanding safety and compliance auditing.

Skills

Curiosity

Creativity

Digital confidence

Communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Project Management, Business, or related disciplines

Job description

Advance your career, join our Graduate Programme – Be The Future!

Being a graduate at Avove isn't just a job, it’s the beginning of a rewarding career. We're building a bright and ambitious future, and we want you to be part of it.

About our Graduate Programme

Our two-year graduate programme is designed to help you grow, learn, and thrive. You'll gain hands‑on experience, take part in tailored development activities, and be supported by experienced mentors and colleagues. From an induction week to masterclasses, development days, and bespoke training, we’ll help you reach your full potential.

About the role

We're looking for a Graduate Project Manager to join our dynamic team, supporting the delivery of a growing portfolio of work for our client. The role will be based in North Derbyshire/South Yorkshire and will provide a fantastic opportunity to kick‑start your career in a fast‑paced and supportive environment, working on a variety of water and wastewater projects – from network infrastructure to treatment facilities.

As a Graduate Project Manager, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across the full project lifecycle. You’ll split your time between office‑based collaboration, site visits, and flexible remote working. You’ll work closely with your Principal Project Manager, wider project teams, and the client to ensure successful project delivery. You will gain exposure to CDM 2015, learn about NEC contracts and AMP cycles, and become aware of site‑based roles linked to safe and compliant delivery on site.

This role is a September 2026 start.

What a typical day could look like

• Learn how to monitor project progress and financial performance, spotting any issues early and helping to resolve them.
• Support cost tracking and work with our commercial and finance teams to understand the financial side of project delivery.
• Collaborate with our in‑house design team to make sure we meet client expectations.
• Work with a range of stakeholders – including local authorities, landowners, third‑party asset owners, and customers – to help ensure projects run smoothly.
• Gain experience in creating and managing project programmes during the early planning stages and support the handover to the construction team.
• Learn how to support and manage the delivery team during construction, helping to keep projects on track from start to finish.
• Approve invoices and ensure payments are made within agreed contract timelines.
• Develop an understanding of safety and compliance auditing and learn how to take responsibility for these areas.

About you

We’re looking for graduates who are curious, creative, and ready to collaborate to create change and bring fresh perspectives. You should be graduating in 2026 or have already graduated from a degree qualification. You’ll be digitally confident, a clear communicator, and able to collaborate with others while also taking initiative. We value organisation, attention to detail, and a desire to keep learning.

We welcome applicants from a range of degree backgrounds including Project Management, Business, or related disciplines. If you’re passionate about delivering impactful projects, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa process. Applicants must therefore have, and maintain, an alternative right to work for the duration of employment.

What's in it for you

We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle:

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP helpline & health cash plan
• Avove discount scheme
• Family‑friendly policies
• Lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders
• Volunteering days and charity matched giving

About us

At Avove, we design, build, and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure – helping to keep water flowing, lights on, and people connected. We deliver sustainable engineering solutions and work with leading utility providers including Severn Trent, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Power, and Northern Ireland Water. We’re proud to be a responsible, agile partner, committed to improving communities and protecting the environment.

Equal opportunities employer

We welcome applications from candidates of all races, genders, disabilities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations. Diversity drives innovation, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our Communities of Practice help us stay accountable and keep progressing.

Ready to apply?

• Apply as soon as you can – we review applications on a rolling basis.
• If you have questions, reach out to us at [e-mail].
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