Summer Placement Project Manager (Mains Renewal)

SevernTrentLife; Coventry; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company in Coventry is offering a Project Management Summer Placement for students to gain hands-on experience in managing projects within a FTSE 100 business. Participants will engage in live projects, develop skills in stakeholder engagement, and receive mentorship from industry professionals. The placement, lasting 8 to 12 weeks, includes workshops and networking opportunities to enhance career prospects.

Benefits

Employability sessions

Networking opportunities

Mentorship support

Qualifications

• Organised and solution-focused mindset.
• Passion for Strategic Delivery and Programme Coordination.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project management workshops.
• Lead meetings and engage project teams to deliver outcomes.
• Develop clear action plans and report project status.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Currently studying at a UK university

Job description

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 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 Project Management Summer Placement gives you hands‑on experience in how large‑scale projects and programmes are delivered across a regulated FTSE 100 business. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of project and programme management, helping to drive real change and deliver outcomes that matter to our customers and communities.

The programme involves working within one of our key teams in Project Delivery, Strategic Change, Portfolio Management, or Business Transformation. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals and work on live projects that span our water and wastewater operations, giving you insight into the frontline and strategic core of our business.

THINGS YOU MIGHT LEARN

• Lead meetings, capture actions, and engage project teams and contractors to deliver outcomes aligned with project plans.
• Understand the end‑to‑end lifecycle of project and programme delivery, from planning and execution to closure.
• Identify and propose solutions to project challenges, escalating to management when needed.
• Progress and close project actions within required timeframes to keep delivery on track.
• Build confidence in managing project status, risks, and reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Interpret technical and non‑technical issues, and create clear action plans to overcome barriers.
• Develop a resilient and solution‑focused mindset, using your network and stakeholders to overcome challenges.
• Build personal robustness and maturity when navigating unfamiliar or complex situations.
• Gain exposure to strategic delivery frameworks and contribute to initiatives with visibility at Director and CFO level.
• This programme is designed to equip you with the skills and experience to build a successful career in Project Management, Strategic Delivery, or Business Transformation. You’ll develop capabilities in planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic execution, while gaining exposure to a fast‑paced, purpose‑driven organisation.
• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, because we know that diverse minds bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking—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 in Coventry (central or Finham) or Derby, 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.

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

Programme Duration: 8 or 12 weeks

Starting Salary: £23,492 pro rata

Entry Criteria

• Preferred individuals with an organised and solution‑focused mindset, and a passion for Strategic Delivery and Programme Coordination
• Studying degrees like Project management or any other business‑related degrees.

As part of this role you will be expected to undertake occasional travel, therefore a full UK Drivers License is required.

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 wit h…

• 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.