Graduate Operational Property Surveyor

Please apply early as deadlines are subject to change.

Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. 

We're now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It's an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.

What you can expect as a graduate in the Operational Property team:

The Operational Property team is responsible for the strategic management of United Utilities' diverse property portfolio. We provide expert property advice and deliver innovative solutions that maximise value, manage risk, support operational requirements, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Our team manages a wide range of landlord and tenant matters, working to optimise land and property assets. We play a key role in supporting the business's long-term objectives, investment programmes, and environmental commitments.

As part of United Utilities' three-year Graduate Programme, you'll gain valuable experience within a dynamic and collaborative property team. Our Surveyors are trusted advisors to the business, managing a diverse property portfolio and delivering innovative property solutions that maximise value, manage risk, and support our customers, communities, and the environment.

As a Graduate Operational Property Surveyor, you will work alongside experienced professionals, developing your expertise across a broad range of property disciplines, including general practice surveying, commercial property, property management, and corporate real estate. You'll gain hands-on experience managing property portfolios, supporting acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, valuations, and strategic land use projects.

No two days are the same. You'll enjoy a varied role combining office-based work with site visits across our operational estate, allowing you to build practical experience and develop a strong understanding of the property sector. During your final year, you'll take on increased responsibility and have the opportunity to manage your own portfolio of properties.

We'll support your journey towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial or Corporate Real Estate route through dedicated mentoring, structured APC training, and ongoing professional development, helping you build a successful and rewarding career in property.

What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:

• Supporting Surveyors with land ownership enquiries, reviewing deeds, leases and licences to establish rights, obligations and landowner responsibilities. 
• Using our property management system, ProLease, to analyse property data, identify comparable evidence, monitor key lease events and maintain accurate records. 
• Producing reports and performance dashboards to support portfolio management, including monitoring lease income, expenditure and key property metrics. 
• Identifying opportunities to optimise our land and property assets, helping to maximise value, generate income and support wider business objectives. 
• Working with colleagues across the business to deliver property solutions that support operational, commercial and environmental outcomes. 
• Gaining hands-on experience across a diverse property portfolio, including landlord and tenant matters, estate management and strategic land use projects. 

What you’ll bring to the team:

You will need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a RICS-accredited 2:1 degree in Real Estate, Property Management, Estate Management or a related discipline. Alternatively, you may have relevant experience in a property or surveying environment alongside another suitable degree.

You will also need:

• A full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle, as the role involves travel between sites. This must be obtained by May 2027 to enable completion of the required onboarding checks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning, with the ability to adapt and contribute in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and IT skills, with the ability to interrogate data, produce reports, and support the development of property performance dashboards.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail when managing property information, documentation and records.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail when managing property information, documentation and records.
• A collaborative mindset and an interest in working alongside colleagues from a range of professional disciplines.
• A genuine interest in property, land management and estate optimisation, with a desire to develop a career in surveying.

Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?

By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first-class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.

What's in it for you?

We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.

• Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus plus an annual pay review
• Annual pay increase and bonus (subject to performance) 
• 26 days' annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution
• Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
• We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road

Our commitment to opportunity for all

We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are:

• GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
• Multi-Cultural & Faith
• LGBTQ+
• Armed Forces
• Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions

Additional Information

Our recruitment process requires you to complete:

• An online application form
• Online tests
• An in-person interview and presentation

We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require.

To ensure a fair recruitment process, we ask that you apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year - apply for the one that interests you most.

Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period 17th November – 11th December.

Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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