Waste Management Graduate Programme

Thames Water; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Performance-related pay

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

A prominent UK water utility company is offering a two-year Waste Management Graduate Programme for recent graduates. Participants will rotate through operational placements in North London and East London, gaining critical exposure to waste management processes. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree and a driving license, as the role involves travel. The programme promises mentorship, performance-related pay, and comprehensive employee benefits, setting graduates on a path to leadership in the industry.

Qualifications

• Achieved or working towards a relevant degree.
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle for travel.
• Confident in adapting to new environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Region in key initiatives.
• Learn to manage day-to-day operations and lead a team.
• Drive improvements in wastewater treatment processes.

Skills

Self-motivated

Adaptable mindset

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, Construction Management, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology or Hydrogeology

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to play a key role in keeping communities thriving and protecting the environment? At Thames Water, our two-year Learning to Lead Waste Management Graduate Programme gives you the chance to rotate through two hands-on operational placements, tackling the challenges of collecting and treating millions of litres of wastewater every day.

What you’ll be doing as a Waste Management Graduate

Year 1: North London Region

Support the Head of Region and senior leadership by driving key initiatives and strategic priorities. Gain frontline exposure, coordination experience, and insight into high-impact decision-making while working across functions, for a full view of waste operations.

Year 2: Beckton Sewage Treatment Works/Thames Water sites in East London

Learn to step into a leadership role within the Waste team, you will support managing day-to-day operations and driving improvements in wastewater treatment. Work with the site team to lead a multi-skilled team, monitor performance, ensure compliance, and champion operational excellence.

Beyond the Programme

Progress into a frontline leadership role with ownership of operational teams and site performance, or specialise in a technical area depending on your skills and interests.

Across your two‑year journey, you’ll be empowered by dedicated mentors and managers, with opportunities to:

• Accelerate your business and personal growth through real-world development experiences
• Build essential safety confidence with hands‑on health and safety training
• Make a difference by getting involved in meaningful charity projects and personalised coaching
• Expand your network through mentoring and collaboration with fellow graduates
• Inspire future talent by becoming a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics\' ambassador

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is

• Achieved or working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, Construction Management, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology or Hydrogeology, Chemistry, STEM or management related degree
• A full driving license, access to own vehicle and business travel insurance is required due to travel across your assigned region
• A self-motivated, adaptable mindset confident in stepping into new environments

What’s in it for you?

• Location: Year 1 - Travel required across the North London region. Year 2 – Beckton Sewage Treatment Works or a Thames Water site in East London
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance

Find out more about our Graduate recruitment process here