2025 Graduate Programme – Planning – Transport (Highways) – Consult – Manchester

At Mace, we are global consultants in programme and project delivery, and construction experts. We help lead the way to a more connected, resilient, and sustainable future. Through our two business ‘engines’ – Consult and Construct – we bring to life iconic skyscrapers, state-of-the-art data centres, life science facilities, social infrastructure, and regeneration projects that support communities across the world.

The opportunity

Start date: Early September 2025
Location: Manchester
Sector: Transport (Highways)
Engine: Consult

At Mace, we have used our collaborative and innovative approach to deliver some of Europe's largest road schemes, to meet increasing customer and government demands while minimising disruption to commuters. Roads allow economies to grow and businesses to create new jobs, they connect communities and open new opportunities. It's no wonder that many countries are looking to build more and better roads, quicker than has been done before. As car ownership continues to rise and cities and towns grow, the pressure being placed on ageing or unsuitable road infrastructure is growing. This means that in many countries’ infrastructure spend has increased while the demands to speed up delivery of major projects has continued.

In our ‘Consult’ engine, you’ll join a global team where we work closely with clients to understand their challenges and offer fresh ideas grounded in innovation and sustainability. We provide advisory and project delivery services, guiding clients through every phase of their projects, from initial strategy and planning to execution, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. While we collaborate closely with clients and visit project sites, Consult is centred on producing creative solutions to their individual challenges. If you prefer a more hands-on role in a physical construction environment, explore our roles in our ‘Construct’ engine.

What you’ll do

In Planning, you will play a key role in supporting the planning function on allocated projects and contribute where required. You will support the effective project management and delivery of our projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and profitably. Some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to plans with full awareness of logistics/site project constraints
• Connecting constructively with the Project Team
• Contributing to the production of the weekly progress report to the project team
• Understanding functional obligations under form of contract
• Reviewing and capturing productivity to measure progress
• Communicating effectively with the client and stakeholders
• Supporting sustainable design and procurement process within integrated programmes
• Supporting health and safety through programme integration
• Establishing and overseeing project work plan and deadlines
• Undertaking tasks required to full fill the requirements of the project/assignment

You will also work towards gaining professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Association of Project Management (APM) fully funded and supported by us.

What we can offer you

Our two-year programme offers structured on-the-job training and real responsibility from day one. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, receive ongoing support from skilled mentors, and gain exposure to various areas of our business. The programme is designed to develop your skills and knowledge, providing you with the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to grow and excel in your role.

As well as benefiting from our formal development programme, we offer:

• A permanent role from the moment you join
• Fully funded professional membership of an association relevant to your role
• 22 days annual leave + bank holidays + 2 further ‘Mace Days’ off + 3 extra days over Christmas, with the option to purchase additional annual leave
• One volunteering day a year
• Pension scheme (with up to 7% matched funding from Mace)
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance cover
• Annual health assessment
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Green car scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 24/7 access to health and wellbeing experts via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Discounts and savings portal for hundreds of retailers, gyms, cafés, restaurants, and cinemas
• A range of other adaptable benefits

About you

• A future or recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in any subject
• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications)

Given the nature of our work, adaptability is key. Our projects and clients are based in various locations, so you should be prepared to travel frequently to different project sites or Mace offices. A positive and adaptable approach to travel is therefore essential, as it may be a regular part of your role. To support this, Mace offers travel expense reimbursements for business travel, including mileage, public transport fares, and, where necessary, accommodation.

We’re looking for ambitious people who want to make a difference in the world. Proactive people who aren’t afraid of barriers, innovate, and have a genuine passion for service excellence. And those who embody the same values, behaviours and competencies as us to proudly move our industry forward:

• Values – safety first, client focus, create opportunity, and integrity
• Behaviours – curious, collaborators, contributors, and champions of inclusion
• Competencies – build effective teams, embrace change, solve problems, and build trusted relationships

A world of opportunity

At Mace, you have the power to create a long-lasting and diverse career. From London to Hong Kong, New York to Nairobi, we partner with clients around the world to shape cities and build sustainable communities that meet the needs of the future.

After completing our graduate or apprenticeship programme, you’ll have access to our internal Global Opportunities Portal, where you can discover and apply for your next adventure should this be your ambition. Whether you’re looking to travel the world, or step into a new sector, the world is full of opportunities waiting for you at Mace.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our culture respects equality, values diversity and encourages individuality – accepting and appreciating all views and beliefs and providing an environment for ideas to come alive. Drawing on a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, experience and expertise to challenge convention is our foundation. It’s the reason why we continue to grow and it’s the secret to how we’ve built some of the world’s most renowned buildings.

Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our Employee Resource Groups – such as Women at Mace, Pride at Mace, Ethnic Diversity at Mace, and Enabled at Mace – which transform our workplace through shared experiences, creating greater awareness, knowledge, and education. We’re proud to be an accredited Disability Confident employer and a champion of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. As signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and the Business in the Community's Race at Work Charter, our dedication to creating an inclusive environment has been recognised with the Clear Assured Gold Standard for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

The Disability Confident scheme encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. We support this initiative by offering adjustments and support during recruitment, such as extra time for tasks or video interviews, or providing information in alternative formats.

Help us shape the world of tomorrow

If you’re ready to build a rewarding career while making a real difference for our clients, communities, and society, we want to hear from you. Join us in turning ambitious ideas into reality and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – apply today via the link on this page.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close a role once we’ve received enough candidates. To give you the greatest chance of success, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.