Summer Placement Operations Project Manager

Severn Trent Water; Coventry; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in Coventry is offering an Operational Project Management Summer Placement where you will engage in real-world challenges impacting the water network. Over an 8-12 week program, participants will gain hands-on experience in project management, work closely with industry professionals, and develop skills in stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking. The role includes site visits across the region, mentoring support, and opportunities for career progression in a vibrant, inclusive environment.

Benefits

Employability sessions

Networking opportunities

One-on-one support from managers and mentors

Qualifications

• Driving licence and access to own vehicle required for site visits.
• Eager to learn from industry professionals during the placement.

Responsibilities

• Work on real-world operational challenges in Project Management.
• Gain valuable experience through fieldwork and project planning.
• Participate in mentoring and networking opportunities.

Skills

Can-do attitude

Adaptability and resilience

Strong prioritization and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and collaboration

Curiosity and growth mindset

Accountability and integrity

Creative thinking

Self-awareness and reflection

Education

Currently studying at a UK university

Degree in Project or Business Management, Civil / Mechanical Engineering or related fields

Job description

Operational Project Management Summer Placement

LET'S CUT STRAIGHT TO IT

At Severn Trent, we believe everyone deserves more. More care for the environment, more sustainable initiatives, and more support for the communities we serve. That's why we're on a mission to deliver bigger and better things, and we need passionate Summer Placements like you to help us achieve our goals.

Our people and culture are the heart of our success. We're proud to be in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. With nearly 10,000 dedicated colleagues, we're looking for more brilliant people who are eager to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.

If you're excited to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team.

LET'S TELL YOU MORE

Our Operational Project Management Summer Placement offers a hands‑on opportunity to explore how operational excellence and strategic thinking come together to support Severn Trent's water network infrastructure. You'll be part of a small but mighty team within Strategic Networks, working on real‑world challenges that directly impact our customers and communities.

This placement is designed to give you a deep dive into the world of water networks—from fieldwork to project planning. You'll gain valuable experience across multiple teams, helping to shape the future of our infrastructure and improve how we deliver essential services.

As part of the programme, you'll also travel across our region to visit sites, meet teams, and see first‑hand how our network operates. This regional exposure is a key part of understanding the scale and complexity of our operations.

THINGS YOU MIGHT LEARN

• Understand the Strategic Networks vision and how it supports Severn Trent's wider goals.
• Conduct research and analysis to propose replacements for key assets like Venturi Pumps.
• Explore how operational planning interacts with traffic management, council permits, and repair work.
• Contribute to the development of condition‑based maintenance strategies for Pressure Release Valves (PRVs).
• Identify process inefficiencies and propose solutions to improve design, planning, and delivery timelines.
• Support health & safety initiatives by assessing tasks and suggesting improvements.
• Gain exposure to project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Reflect on your experience and present your learnings to the wider team.

Throughout the placement, you'll take part in "Day in the Life Of" (DILO) sessions with different teams, giving you a well‑rounded view of how our operations work. You'll also be supported by a dedicated mentor and report into the Performance Manager, ensuring you have guidance every step of the way.

At the end of the programme, you'll have the chance to host your own DILO session for fellow interns—sharing everything you've learned and showcasing the impact of your work.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, because we know that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and drive progress-and that's exactly what helps us grow.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

During the 8‑week or 12‑week placement you will be based at Severn Trent Centre in Coventry, placing you right at the heart of our operations. You will be working day to day with industry professionals, taking lead on projects and real‑life work. You will also get the unique opportunity to travel to operational sites in our region as part of this role.

Throughout your time with us, you'll also benefit from a range of opportunities designed to help you explore your career ambitions, support your development, and ensure you get the most out of your placement:

• Employability Sessions – Take part in three tailored workshops focused on building practical skills and career insights to help you thrive in your future career.
• Networking Lunch – Connect with fellow placement students in a relaxed setting, share experiences, and start building your professional network.
• Alumni Lunch – Meet former interns who have successfully transitioned into full‑time roles at Severn Trent. Hear their stories, gain inspiration, and learn from their journeys.
• Senior Leader Panel Event – Attend an exclusive session featuring senior leaders from across the business. Discover their career paths, receive valuable advice, and be inspired by their insights.
• One‑to‑One Support – Benefit from regular meetings with managers, mentors and the New Talent Team.

Depending on your year of study, the programme could lead to a fast‑track opportunity into another internship programme or even our graduate scheme—helping you take the next step in your career with Severn Trent.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will expand your knowledge of project and people management, including learning how to effectively manage and influence stakeholders. You'll also gain a strong business and commercial acumen, developing your ability to plan strategically with time, cost, and quality in mind, and how to deliver this message successfully to a range of stakeholders.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why we deliver with our customers at the heart of what we do and how we make sure we communicate this message across our communities.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT

Location – Severn Trent Centre, Coventry, CV1 2LZ (50%) Regional site visits (50%)

Programme Duration – 8 or 12 weeks

Starting Salary – £24,452.04 pro rata

Entry Criteria

• Driving licence and access to own vehicle is essential as 50% of your time on placement will be spent visiting sites in our region.
• Preferred individuals studying degrees like Project or business management, Civil / Mechanical Engineering or any related subjects.

You must be currently studying at a UK university and be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We want our employees to care and to have a genuine passion for what we do as a business. We need people who want to make a difference in providing a vital service to our customers, now and for the long‑term.

We'd love you to be someone with…

• A 'can do' attitude – someone who's eager to get involved, takes ownership of their actions, and takes pride in delivering high‑quality work.
• Adaptability and resilience – comfortable with variety and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Strong prioritisation and problem‑solving skills – able to assess tasks quickly and take initiative to tackle challenges head‑on.
• Excellent communication and collaboration – confident working across multiple teams and building strong working relationships.
• Curiosity and a growth mindset – keen to learn, ask questions, and continuously improve in a dynamic setting.
• Accountability and integrity – someone who acts responsibly, makes thoughtful decisions, and contributes positively to team culture.
• Creative thinking – willing to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas, and contribute to innovation.
• Self‑awareness and reflection – open to feedback and committed to personal development.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to make sure that we continue to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities and customers we serve. We're making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability and Ethnicity, who help us with our commitments. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.

LET'S GO

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can't wait to hear from you.

• Roles close on 13th January 2026 at Midday (12pm)
• Check your diary - face to face assessments will run from February to the end of March
• Start Date 1st June for a 12‑week placement and 29th June for an 8‑week placement

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeatSevernTrent on social media.