Economics Placement

The economic regulation team provides a crucial advisory service to the rest of the business. New joiners to the team will be given on the job training and support to help them thrive in a demanding and fast paced environment where you will be asked to provide innovative and creative insights into regulatory issues that go to the heart of how we structure our business and deliver services to customers. You will work with cross functional teams in order to successfully execute a varied project portfolio. You will be mentored by more experienced members of the team when you first join, and there will be substantial scope to take on additional responsibilities as you gain more experience.

Successful candidates will be expected to take an increasing level of responsibility in the following areas as they gain experience, with support from existing members of the economic regulation team:

• From the outset, to be a reliable, enthusiastic and proactive member of the Economic Regulation and Strategy team


• To support the strategic leadership and expert advice on regulatory matters that the department provides to the business.


• To provide advice and analysis to support decision making by senior leaders


• To provide advice and thought leadership in multidisciplinary teams to secure excellent regulatory and commercial outcomes, enhance United Utilities' reputation and deliver good outcomes for stakeholders


• To scope, initiate, draft and complete regulatory strategy and position papers for audiences across and beyond the organisation to a high standard, on time and to budget


• To engage with and influence colleagues and third parties - including regulators and other stakeholders - in order to deliver high quality policy outcomes


• To take a proactive approach to identification of business needs and in influencing the regulatory framework to facilitate delivery in line with the company's vision, values and strategic objectives


• To support ad hoc regulatory submissions or focussed strategic projects.


• To produce regulatory reports and submissions for senior management


• To demonstrate creativity and innovation in problem solving across a range of regulatory and strategic policy areas, We need fantastic people to enable us to deliver a great service to the public. We are committed to reaching and recruiting from every community and then supporting employees to achieve their full potential ensuring they feel valued and included, regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, or social background.


If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from the Disclosure Scotland / the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the week commencing the 3rd of June 2024.

· Currently be working towards a professional qualification, usually a degree or postgraduate qualification in a numerate technical discipline (Economics, Finance or similar, although we would encourage submissions from other disciplines as well.)

· Good analytical skills, with attention to detail, ability to analyse and interpret data, and to contribute towards business and customer focused recommendations.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the potential to work towards doing this with limited oversight

· Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, logical and analytical problem solving skills and demonstrate an aptitude for regulatory and commercial awareness

· Awareness of the regulatory framework that applies to regulated industries, including price control and incentive based regulation

· Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of winning and retaining the confidence and trust of stakeholders.

· Good numeracy skills and an aptitude to apply these to practical business problems.

· Computer literate (in particular word processing, spread sheets and presentations.)

· A willingness to learn and genuine interest in/curiosity about Economics in general or economic regulation in particular

More than ever before we need inspiring talent to join us and make the North West stronger, greener and healthier. We all know the challenges of climate change and by joining our internship you'll play a role in securing efficient, reliable water resources for customers across the North West.

At United Utilities, we're not only essential service providers to over 7 million customers across the region but we're also at the forefront of tackling some of the biggest climate and environmental challenges in a generation. All our people are essential in achieving our net zero targets and creating a more resilient North West.

It's a big job and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for our customers. From operating our pipes and improving water quality, to embracing new technologies and safeguarding the local environment - whether you're in our head office or out on site, there's always plenty going on. Our internship programmes will give you the opportunity to learn first-hand how we make this happen.

In 2020 we were awarded the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award Best Places to Work based solely on feedback from our colleagues.

Don't worry, you won't be going it alone. Your mentor and manager will work with you as you progress through your placement and support you as you work towards your personal development goals.

When you join our Intern Scheme you'll receive a good salary, and you'll also be eligible for a bonus of up to 7.5%.

You get 26 days holiday to take during your placement, and at our fantastic Lingley Mere site we have an onsite gym, coffee shops and other great facilities. And while access to an award-winning pension scheme might not be top of your priorities right now, responsible employers like us make sure you get one anyway - you'll pay 5% in to your pot and you'll get an extra 10% from the company. And that's not the only way to save, as you'll be able to buy company shares as part of the employee share buy scheme.

Internship Duration

12 months