Operations Management Graduate

Avove Utilities; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities infrastructure company in North East England is seeking an Operations Management Graduate for its two-year graduate programme starting in September 2026. The programme involves four six-month placements and provides hands-on experience in operations, finance, and project management. Ideal candidates are digitally confident, clear communicators, and eager to learn. The company offers competitive benefits including 24 days holiday and a pension scheme, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds.

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

Qualifications

• Graduating in 2026 or already graduated from your degree qualification.
• Digitally confident and organized.
• Eager to learn and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Participate in placements in Site Operations and Commercial Finance.
• Support Water and wastewater projects learning about operations and strategy.
• Engage in team management and cost efficiency in procurement.

Skills

Curiosity

Creativity

Clear communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Degree qualification, graduating in 2026

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.

About The Role

We’re looking for an Operations Management Graduate to join our dynamic Northumbrian Living Water Framework based from our Durham location. This is a fantastic opportunity to kick‑start your career in a fast‑paced and supportive environment, learning about operations, strategy, finance and contract management. You will play an active role in learning about and supporting Avove on our key business activities related to a variety of water and wastewater projects.

As an Operations Management Graduate you will complete 4x six‑month placements over two years. Two placements are mandatory – Site Operations and Commercial Finance – and two placements will be chosen by you based on your interests, skills and future career aspirations. You will be able to choose from Strategy & PMO, People & Culture, Procurement, ESG, IT Solutions and Digital.

This role is a September 2026 start.

What a typical day could look like

• Site Operations – Gaining hands‑on experience in operations, health and safety, and project delivery.
• Commercial Finance – Developing financial literacy, contract management skills, and commercial awareness.
• Strategy & PMO – Understanding how operational decisions align with strategic objectives.
• People & Culture – Learning how to motivate, engage, and manage teams effectively.
• Procurement – Building expertise in cost efficiency and sustainable supply chain management.
• ESG – Gaining insights into compliance, sustainability, and future‑proofing operations.
• IT Solutions Deployment – Exploring how technology underpins operational efficiency and innovation.
• Digital – Supporting digital transformation and data‑driven decision‑making.

About You

We’re looking for graduates who are curious, creative, and ready to collaborate to create change and bring fresh perspectives. You’ll bring insights from your education and life experiences, and we’ll empower you to make a real impact. You should be graduating in 2026 or already graduated from your degree qualification. You’ll be digitally confident, a clear communicator, and able to collaborate with others while also taking initiative. We value organization, attention to detail, and a desire to keep learning. We welcome applicants from a range of degree backgrounds so if you’re passionate about building a great career and learning from amazing professionals, 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

• 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.

We are an 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 as we review applications on a rolling basis.

If you have questions, reach out to us at [contact link].