Graduate Project Manager

United Utilities; Preston; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + joining bonus

Annual leave

Pension contributions

Wellbeing programmes

Mentors on scheme

Driving lessons support

Job summary

United Utilities is recruiting a Graduate Project Manager for its North West investment programme. The role mixes office and site work across locations, training you as you progress through a 3-year scheme.

You will support seasoned project managers, gain hands-on experience in capital projects, and work toward Chartered Project Professional status with mentoring and AP M training.

Qualifications

• 2:1 in Project Management, Engineering, or a scientific/construction-related subject, or tangible experience in Project Management with another degree.

Responsibilities

• Support Project Managers with planning, governance and delivery of capital investment projects.
• Coordinate project activities with construction, risk, commercial and operational teams.
• Assist in managing project costs, schedules, risks and performance across a varied programme.
• Undertake site visits and engage with stakeholders to understand delivery of infrastructure projects.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team working

Education

2:1 in PM/Engineering

Job description

• Salary: at least £32,250 per annum with an annual pay review & £2000 joining bonus
• Location: Preston, Lancashire
• Hours: 37 hours per week

Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. We’re now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It’s an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.

What you can expect as a graduate in the Project Management team:

Our Project Management teams are at the heart of delivering United Utilities' largest ever investment programme. Working across water, wastewater and environmental improvement projects, you'll help deliver projects that improve customer service, strengthen resilience and create a more sustainable future for the North West.

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 Project Manager, you’ll support experienced project managers, gaining hands‑on experience in managing and delivering capital projects safely, on time, and within budget. You’ll work with interdisciplinary teams, learning from roles in 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.

During the graduate scheme we will assist you on your journey to becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) by assigning you a career mentor and by enrolling you on APM training such as their Project Management Qualification.

What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:

• Supporting Project Managers with the planning, governance and delivery of capital investment projects across the North West.
• Working with construction, risk, commercial and operational teams to coordinate project activities and support successful delivery.
• Contributing to the management of project costs, schedules, risks and performance across a diverse portfolio of programmes including Water, Wastewater, Better Rivers and Environmental Studies.
• Undertaking site visits and engaging with stakeholders to understand how infrastructure projects are delivered safely, sustainably and efficiently.
• Taking on increasing responsibility throughout the programme, progressing towards managing your own projects or work packages and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What you’ll bring to the team:

To apply for this role, you will need to have achieved or be on course to achieve a 2:1 in Project Management, Engineering, or a scientific or construction-related subject. Alternatively, you will have tangible experience in Project Management alongside another suitable degree.

You will also need:

• A full UK driving licence as the role involves travel between project sites. This must be secured by May 2027 at the latest to allow the relevant screening to be completed as part of onboarding.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• A positive approach to learning, adapting and contributing in a dynamic environment.
• Technical awareness and competence to understand and manage project requirements, alongside commercial awareness to navigate contract management and financial aspects of projects.
• Excellent team-working skills and an interest in working with people from different professional backgrounds.

Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?

By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first‑class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.

What's in it for you?

We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.

• Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus
• Annual pay increase and bonus (subject to performance)
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution
• Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
• We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road

Our commitment to opportunity for all

We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are;

• GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
• Multi-Cultural & Faith
• LGBTQ+
• Armed Forces
• Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions

We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require.

Additional Information

Application deadline: 21st October 2026 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change

Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.