Operations Management Graduate

Avove; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday

Company pension

Life assurance

Private GP Helpline

Health Cash Plan

Avove Discount Scheme

Volunteer days

Job summary

Avove invites you to join its two-year Operations Management Graduate Programme, spanning four six-month placements across Site Operations, Commercial Finance, and two other areas such as Strategy, People & Culture, Procurement, ESG, IT Solutions or Digital. The role is based in Derby and surrounding areas with hybrid working combining office and site attendance and some home-based days.

The starting salary is £29,355 per year, with development support and mentorship throughout the programme.

Qualifications

• Degree in any subject, completed or expected by summer 2027.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations when needed.
• Eligible to work in the UK without Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Experience Site Operations through placements with project teams to understand how infrastructure is delivered.
• Learn how people, customers, safety and project delivery connect.
• Experience Commercial Finance and understand budgets, costs, forecasts and commercial decisions.
• See how operational and financial performance work together.
• Choose two additional placements based on interests and career goals.
• Explore areas such as Strategy, People & Culture, Procurement, ESG, IT Solutions or Digital.
• Build relationships with teams and take on increasing responsibility.
• Develop your future career pathway with guidance from mentors.

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. Join our thriving graduate community and take your next step toward shaping the future of our business.

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. We want you to love what you do, learn quickly, broaden your horizons, and make a difference from day one.

We're looking for an Operations Management Graduate to join our Severn Trent Water Framework.

Location:

Derby and surrounding areas - This role offers hybrid working, combining office and site attendance with some home-based working.

Contract Type:

Full time permanent

Salary:

Our graduate starting salary is £29,355.00

Want to build your career but still figuring out which direction is right for you?

Our two-year Operations Management Graduate Programme gives you the opportunity to experience different parts of Avove through four six-month placements. You'll spend time in Site Operations and Commercial Finance, then choose two further areas such as Strategy, People & Culture, Procurement, ESG, IT Solutions or Digital.

You’ll gain real experience, build your network and discover where your strengths and interests could take your career. You don't need to have it all figured out when you join. That's exactly what the programme is designed to help you do.

This role is a September 2027 start.

What you'll be doing:

• Experience Site Operations, spending time with project teams and seeing how essential infrastructure is delivered safely.
• Learn how people, customers, safety and project delivery all connect.
• Experience Commercial Finance and understand how budgets, costs, forecasts and commercial decisions support successful projects.
• See how operational and financial performance work together.
• Choose two further placements based on your interests, strengths and career aspirations.
• Explore areas such as Strategy, People & Culture, Procurement, ESG, IT Solutions or Digital.
• Work with different teams, build relationships and develop a broad understanding of how Avove works.
• Take on more responsibility as your confidence grows and start discovering where you could build your future career.

About you:

We're looking for someone who is curious, enjoys working with others, communicates well and is excited to learn and take on new challenges. If you're organised, open to feedback and interested in understanding how projects work, we'll help you build the knowledge and experience you need.

Your degree can be in any subject, if you've completed it, or expect to by summer 2027. We're interested in you, your potential, transferable skills and what you can bring to Avove, not just what you studied. You'll also need to be happy travelling to project sites and client locations when needed.

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?

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
• Avove Discount Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

An inclusive invitation to apply:

We want to build a team that reflects the communities we serve and benefits from different perspectives, ideas and experiences. We know that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're interested in this role and meet the essential qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply.

You don't need previous experience in water, wastewater or utilities, and we won't expect you to arrive with all the answers. We're interested in your potential, curiosity, problem-solving approach and willingness to learn.

Why join Avove?

At Avove, we're proud to create an environment where people can build meaningful careers, develop their skills and feel supported to reach their full potential. We invest in training and development, provide opportunities to grow, and are committed to a workplace where safety, wellbeing and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. With a strong focus on supporting our people and their families through a broad range of benefits, Avove is a place where you can feel valued, make a real impact and take the next step in your career with confidence.

About Avove

Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long-term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high-quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we'll be happy to discuss how we can support you.

Ready to apply?

• Apply as soon as you can as we review applications on a rolling basis.
• If you have questions, reach out to us at [e-mail]
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• Need help with your CV or interview prep? Visit our resources.