2026 UK and Ireland Graduate Project Management Career Path
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Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.
We will close for applications on Friday 24th October, with assessment centres being held late November/early December.
Turn your ambition into action—apply now and shape your future with us.
Job Description
As a Graduate Project Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring our clients’ projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. You’ll work across a variety of sectors, gaining exposure to diverse project management methodologies including those from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Association for Project Management (APM), and Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
But this is more than just project delivery - it’s about making a difference. Whether it’s improving transport infrastructure, enhancing water systems, or supporting local authorities, your work will have a tangible impact on communities and the environment.
Graduate Rotational Programme
We’re proud to offer a rotational programme designed to give you a rich, varied experience across multiple sectors including buildings, energy, defence, local authority, and transport (aviation, highways, ports and rail), and water. This approach ensures you’ll develop a broad skillset, build cross-sector knowledge, and discover where your passions truly lie.
Here is some more information on the teams you could be working with:
* Buildings: is a UK and international team delivering construction solutions across public and private sectors. We collaborate with our ecosystem to deliver commercially viable, technically sound outcomes that maximise social, economic, and environmental value for our clients. Our buildings team has opportunities in Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.
* Defence and Energy: Strive to be our client's delivery partner of choice, with a portfolio covering major UK clients in both defence and energy sectors, delivering many of the nation’s strategic infrastructure major programmes. Our defence and energy team has opportunities in Bristol, Cambridge and Cumbria.
* Water: delivers projects for external clients and internal business units, providing expert project, programme, commercial management, business transformation, and health and safety services. Our water team has opportunities in Cambridge, London, Manchester and Reading.
* Transport: including aviation, ports, highways and rail, focusing on delivering faster, more cost-effective, sustainable projects with zero tolerance for unsafe practices. Our transport team has opportunities in Birmingham, Cardiff, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Reading.
What You’ll Gain
* Growth & Development: Structured learning, mentorship, and support to help you become a Chartered Project Professional.
* Teamwork & Collaboration: Work alongside passionate, diverse teams who value your voice and ideas.
* Wellbeing & Support: A culture that prioritises mental health, work-life balance, and personal wellbeing.
* Integrity & Trust: A workplace built on transparency, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
* Celebrating You: We recognise and reward achievements—big and small.
Candidate Specification
At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and hold a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or be expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:
* Project Management
* Construction Project Management
* Engineering discipline
* Environmental Project Management
* Business Studies or similar
* Management or similar
In your application, demonstrate genuine interest in the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald by highlighting relevant experience or interests—modules studied, prior work experience, or research about our company, values, and projects.
We review every completed application form; this part of our selection process is human-led and we do not use AI tools at this stage. Answer questions with authenticity to share your story.
We Are Looking For Graduates With The Following Strengths
* Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
* Communicates effectively with clients and colleagues.
* Delivers high-quality written work with strong attention to detail.
* Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.
Some opportunities may require eligibility to obtain security clearance. Clearance is typically for UK nationals or those who have lived in the UK for five years.
We support flexible working. Please discuss any flexibility at interview stage.
Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK (as of April 2024 changes). We seek long-term relationships with graduates and cannot accept applicants who would be working under a Graduate visa route or other time-limited visas that require sponsorship in the future. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future.
About Your Development
A graduate position should be more than a job. You’ll receive training from day one, be assigned a mentor, and join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, designed to support a long-lasting career at Mott MacDonald. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference and learn about Our Purpose and the impact we can make.
Join us and you’ll get:
* Biannual salary reviews for the first three years
* A competitive salary aligned with industry standards
* Contributory pension up to 7%
* A flexible benefits scheme to suit your needs
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We promote fair employment practices and an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.
Agile Working We support agile working to meet client, team, and personal commitments.
Location(s) Birmingham, Cardiff, Cambridge, Cork, Dublin, Carlisle, Bristol, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Reading
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Discipline: Project programme and commercial management
Job Ref: 11569
Recruiter Contact: earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com
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