2025 UK Graduate Water Sector Analysis Career Path

Discover your potential at Mott MacDonald. We aim to make a positive difference for present and future generations. We actively develop our people as individuals and professionals, working together to solve problems and taking pride in each other’s success. Our philosophy is to create a culture of continuous learning and growth to constantly support a meaningful career. You can make a difference with a company that cares about the human and environmental impact of what we do. Our ambition extends beyond avoiding adverse outcomes, into seizing opportunities to deliver transformational change. Join our team where collaboration is at the heart of the way we operate. We work as one Mott MacDonald to create the best outcomes for all.

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates, with a genuine passion to make a difference in the world to join our experienced and expanding Asset Management and Infrastructure Planning sub-sector. We provide strategic advisory services to Water and Wastewater utilities, regulators (including Ofwat, Environment Agency, Canal & Rivers Trust), multilateral and commercial lenders, government organisations and research bodies. These services include asset management planning, utility performance improvement, regulatory advisory services, investment appraisal and development of investment business cases, water resource strategies, water and wastewater feasibility studies, carbon and net zero advisory, systems thinking and project finance advisory services. There is a great demand for our services, which play a key role in helping UK water companies meet regulatory performance targets and achieve value for customers and shareholders.

Depending on your interests and background you could be involved in the following workstreams:

Asset Management: You would be working with our clients to help deliver improvements at both the strategic and tactical level, in the planning, delivery and operation of asset portfolios. This could include assessing water company performance and developing strategies to realise efficiency, increase resilience and levels of environmental protection, and deliver a better service in a changing climate. You could also be delivering improvements to the way asset data is collected and analysed to better inform cost-effective and sustainable investment decisions.

Water Resources Planning and feasibility studies: You would help to meet future demand for water by identifying and appraising water resources infrastructure and support decision-making by selecting the combination of options that delivers best value for customers. This would include defining schemes to increase supply availability, including their costing, benefits, risks and environmental and social impacts, as well as establishing strategies to reduce water demand. You could also help preparing water business cases in international contexts and supporting the feasibility of related schemes.

Climate Change: You would have a key role in helping the water industry decarbonise and meet their net zero commitments, whether by defining corporate strategies, identifying energy efficiencies, incorporating carbon footprints in investment decision-making or establishing low-carbon solutions in feasibility and design projects. You could also help adaptation efforts to ensure asset owners can deliver the required level of service in the future and protect their assets against physical climate change impacts.

Data Analytics: You would work across different workstreams to process, analyse and interrogate big datasets underpinning investment planning decisions and business strategies. You would also develop models to explore asset deterioration and to prioritise interventions and you would develop dashboards and collaboration Apps as a result to facilitate stakeholder and client engagement. You could contribute towards the development of asset information strategies and information management approaches as well.

Candidate Specification

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements), have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Engineering
• Geography
• Economics
• Mathematics or
• You have an MSc in a relevant topic including but not limited to asset management, water policy, water resources, water engineering, systems, data science, climate change, or environmental engineering.

In your application you should be able to demonstrate your interest in the role and working at Mott MacDonald through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience.

We are looking for graduates with the following characteristics:

• Methodical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail.

As we want the best people for the role, we support adaptable working. Please ask us at interview stage about anything you may need.

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates. For this reason, we are not able to accept applications from candidates who would be working under the Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas, (irrespective of visa duration), due to their temporary nature and the requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route in future.​

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in the future.​

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles, we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career.

From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a chartered mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training agreement. We’ll support you on your journey to gaining chartered status with your chosen institution.

What else is involved?

You’ll be enrolled onto Accelerate Your Future, a structured three-year soft-skills development programme which develops the strengths that we know graduates need to be successful at Mott MacDonald. It also gives you the opportunity to network and meet other graduates in your cohort. The programme is a mix of residential events, classroom-based learning, virtual webinars, and sustainability and social impact challenges.

In addition to developing your soft skills, we recognise that each person's career goals vary, so when rolling off the programme we provide you with the tools and support to develop your ongoing career the way you wish to. Alongside our vast library of e-learning courses available to you, you can choose which direction you want your career to go in.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about our Social Outcomes and the difference we can make!

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.
• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.
• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.
• An adaptable benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our adaptable plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.
• Salary Range: £29,700 - £31,900

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work, there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a solid culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, adaptability and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence