Water Operational Leadership Graduate, Colchester

Job Title: Water Operational Leadership Graduate

Water Services Graduate Programme

Salary: 33,000, Permanent role.
Start date: September 2027

Location: Based within the Anglian Water area across the East of England. Please note your placements may vary across the region and departments, so flexibility is essential.

Help shape the future of water, the environment and the communities we serve

Water is at the heart of what we do at Anglian Water and is essential for the communities we serve to thrive. Our work within really matters, to our customers, to the environment and to our teams - all of us working to keep taps flowing.

The next 5 years are such an exciting time for the Water Industry, with an investment plan worth over 11 billion, we're building for better - driving improvements right across our Source to Tap systems and making the region more resilient. As part of this we are looking for you to join Anglian Water's Graduate Programme and tackle some of the biggest environmental and infrastructure challenges facing the region. From climate resilience and major engineering projects to digital innovation and customer experience, you'll develop the skills, experience and support needed to become one of our future leaders or specialists.

Your career path

The water industry is changing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of talent. At Anglian Water, you'll work on real challenges that matter, developing expertise across your chosen profession while contributing to projects that support customers, communities and the environment.

You'll learn from experienced colleagues, take on meaningful responsibility and build the skills, knowledge and confidence to shape your future career, while helping us shape the future of water.

To find out more from our recent graduates please visit our Anglian Water careers page Graduates - Anglian Water Careers

Professional Development & Memberships

We're committed to helping you build a career, not just gain a job. Through our two-year graduate programme, you'll experience different placements, work on real business challenges and learn from experienced colleagues across the organisation. You'll have access to a wide range of development opportunities, support towards professional qualifications and funded membership of a relevant professional institution, helping you grow your expertise and achieve professional accreditation where appropriate.

Your programme

Our Graduate Programme within Clean Water Services offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the teams that keep water flowing to around 7 million customers every day. Through a series of structured placements, you'll develop a broad understanding of how operational excellence, innovation and long-term planning come together to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable clean water services.

Across our Source to Tap system from water abstraction, treatment and treated water distribution networks to system optimisation, asset planning, drought resilience and major capital projects. If you're passionate about making a difference, solving complex challenges and helping protect an essential resource for future generations, this programme is for you.

What you will bring

We are looking for people who are curious, ambitious and ready to learn. Individuals who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and bringing different perspectives to the challenges we face. Most importantly, we're looking for graduates who want to help shape the future of water while developing a successful and rewarding career of their own. We welcome applicants who are excited about technology products and passionate about the water industry.

For this role, you'll need to have obtained in the last 3 years or be studying towards a minimum 2:2 in any degree discipline and have graduated by September 2027 for the 2027 intake.

Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive a comprehensive health and wellbeing package, private healthcare, 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, and a double-matched pension scheme with up to 21% total contribution. We also offer an excellent family leave package, including enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, helping you balance your career with the moments that matter most.

Closing Date: 27th September 2026

Site Tour: You may be invited to a local site tour or meet the team session as part of the recruitment process. This is an opportunity to visit your potential workplace, meet the team, and learn more about the role and working environment.

Assessment Centres: Successful candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face assessment centre at one of our locations across the Anglian Water region.

Assessment Centre Dates:

Norwich - 27 October 2026

Lincoln - 30 October 2026

Ipswich - 4 November 2026

Huntingdon - 5 November 2026