Graduate Partner
Permanent full-time
Job Overview
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
About the Role
As we continue to invest in early careers development, we’re seeking a Graduate Partner to support the delivery and evolution of our graduate programmes. This role is ideal for someone who’s passionate about nurturing future leaders, understands graduate development pathways, and thrives on creating structured, engaging, and high-impact learning experiences.
In the short to medium term, the focus will be on coordinating placements, enhancing programme design, and strengthening relationships with universities to attract high-potential talent. Over time, the role will expand to include broader responsibilities across early careers—such as supporting leadership development initiatives, contributing to talent pipeline planning, and ensuring our graduate programmes remain aligned with business needs and future skills.
This role will be based in Exeter or Bristol but there will be occasional travel between sites across the business including Bournemouth and Redhill.
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
About the Role
As we continue to invest in early careers development, we’re seeking a Graduate Partner to support the delivery and evolution of our graduate programmes. This role is ideal for someone who’s passionate about nurturing future leaders, understands graduate development pathways, and thrives on creating structured, engaging, and high-impact learning experiences.
In the short to medium term, the focus will be on coordinating placements, enhancing programme design, and strengthening relationships with universities to attract high-potential talent. Over time, the role will expand to include broader responsibilities across early careers—such as supporting leadership development initiatives, contributing to talent pipeline planning, and ensuring our graduate programmes remain aligned with business needs and future skills.
This role will be based in Exeter or Bristol but there will be occasional travel between sites across the business including Bournemouth and Redhill.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Coordinate the delivery of graduate programmes, including onboarding, rotations, and development activities.
- Partner with hiring managers to design meaningful graduate placements and experiences.
- Support the integration of coaching, mentoring, and career development into graduate pathways.
- Monitor and report on graduate programme metrics including attraction, retention, progression, and performance.
- Ensure alignment of graduate programmes with workforce planning and succession strategies.
- Contribute to employer branding and outreach activities targeting graduate audiences.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in graduate programme design and delivery.
- Lead strategic partnerships with universities and industry bodies to co-create future-focused graduate pathway.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of graduate attraction, development, and progression.
- Utilise data and insights to inform graduate programme design, identify trends, and drive evidence-based decisions.
- Engage senior leaders in graduate development through sponsorship, advocacy, and visibility initiatives.
- Introduce innovative learning approaches that reflect generational expectations and leverage emerging technologies to maximise impact.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience supporting or managing graduate programmes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of graduate recruitment and development best practices.
- Experience with programme coordination, learning design, and evaluation.
- Enthusiastic about supporting early career development and future talent.
- Strong communicator with the ability to inspire and engage graduates.
- Organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Collaborative and confident in working across teams and with external partners.
- Committed to inclusive practices and continuous learning.
- Insight-driven and proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement.
What's In It For You?
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 14th October 2025.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.