Graduate Programme 2026 – Project Manager (SW Horizons) 

Ready to own your future?

At Scottish Water, our graduate programmes empower you to drive change, tackle real challenges, and shape Scotland’s future. This is more than just a launchpad for your career - it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day. 

You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time, as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, provides great value for money, and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero. Start a career that’s built for you, today. 

What you’ll do 

As a Project Manager Graduate, you’ll be embedded in Scottish Water Horizons, supporting the delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure to enable economic growth and sustainability across Scotland. From day one, you’ll contribute to projects that support new housing developments, hydrogen production, and data centers.  

As part of the Scottish Governments Hydrogen Action Plan you will work on supporting the hydrogen economy, investigating sustainable solutions for water use to help drive the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
You’ll gain hands-on experience in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and milestone tracking. You’ll work with delivery partners, monitoring progress and reporting to senior managers. You’ll also help maintain and improve relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to a high standard. 
 
Over the three-year programme, you’ll rotate through a variety of placements that will grow your knowledge, confidence, and technical skills. With structured training, mentoring, and real-world responsibility, you’ll develop into a capable, trusted Project Manager. 
 
At the end of the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role as a Project Manager, where you’ll continue to make a real impact on Scotland’s infrastructure and sustainability. 

How does the graduate programme work? 

You’ll be employed on a permanent contract from Day One, with a starting salary of £33,000. 

As you progress through the programme and reach key milestones, you’ll be rewarded with salary increases that recognise your growth and commitment to ongoing learning. Upon completing the programme, you’ll move into a permanent Project Manager role, starting from £44,030.

For more details, please visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/graduates. 

 
There is plenty of support. As well as your day-to-day manager, we’ll match you up with a mentor who will support and coach you as you go through your programme. 

You’ll have access to both structured and informal training designed to equip you with the skills you need now, and in the future. 

What you’ll need 

You’ll have graduated within the last three years (or be on track to graduate this summer) with a degree in a relevant discipline such as Engineering, Project Management, Environmental Science, or a related field. We’re looking for a minimum 2:2 classification. 
 
You’ll need to be passionate about infrastructure, sustainability, and making a positive impact every day. An understanding of project delivery and stakeholder engagement is key. You should also be someone who works well with others, takes initiative, and brings energy and enthusiasm to every challenge. 
 
A valid UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle may be required, as some placements will involve travel to sites across Central Scotland. 

In terms of essential requirements? That’s it. 

But here’s the thing: We get thousands of applications for our Graduate roles each year. What makes the best candidates stand out? 

Here are a few things we love to see: 

• CVs that tell us more than what grades you earned over the years. Show us what you’ve learned. What you love. What your aspirations are. 

• Cover letters that tell us why you’re interested in Scottish Water (and in this role) 

• People who use their application to show that they are Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring. 

Looking out for you 

While the work we do is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.  

You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.  

When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working and operate on a ‘Balanced Hybrid’ approach, meaning we encourage people to spend half of their time in a Scottish Water location. 

For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance. 

As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping. 

What happens next? 

• The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Thursday the the 17th of September 

• Depending on the number of applications there may be some surprisingly fun (no, really!) online testing. You can read more about the full application process here: Graduate Application Process - Scottish Water 

• We’re looking to start the interviews mid October. 

• If you accept a place on the programme, you’ll go through some pre-employment, including a criminal record check.