Graduate Buyer

About Us

United Utilities delivers essential services across the North West, focusing on providing safe drinking water, protecting the environment, and supporting communities. We are currently undertaking a significant investment programme to improve services, enhance environmental performance, and embrace innovation for a sustainable future.

The Role: Graduate Buyer

As a Graduate Buyer in the Commercial team, you will be instrumental in ensuring United Utilities procures the necessary goods, services, and partnerships to deliver vital services. You will develop commercial expertise, stakeholder management skills, and gain broad procurement experience. Supported by mentors, you will contribute to projects that enhance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, delivering value to customers and supporting business and environmental goals.

Day-to-day responsibilities:

• Support sourcing and procurement activities to secure value-for-money goods and services.
• Analyse spend, supplier, and market data to identify cost savings, efficiency improvements, and innovation opportunities.
• Assist with contract management to ensure suppliers meet service, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Monitor market trends, risks, and opportunities within key supply categories to develop commercial awareness.
• Contribute to sustainability and social value goals through responsible and ethical procurement practices.

What you'll bring:

• A degree (or predicted degree) in any subject.
• A passion for a career in procurement and commercial management.
• Strong analytical skills for reviewing information, identifying trends, and making recommendations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for building relationships with stakeholders.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and curious mindset focused on continuous improvement.

Graduate Scheme

This is a 3-year graduate scheme offering comprehensive training and support. You will gain an in-depth understanding of your business area, developing the confidence, skills, and knowledge to become a future leader within the company.

Benefits

• Starting salary of at least £32,250 per annum.
• £2,000 joining bonus.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years, plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution.
• Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors.
• Up to £500 contribution towards driving lessons and tests.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 21st October 2026.
• Interviews: Expected between 17th November and 11th December 2026.

Important Information

• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Please apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year.
• Applications are reviewed by a real person, not AI.