2026 Graduate Associate Project Manager, Infrastructure Delivery

-; Port Talbot; Hybrid; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy infrastructure company seeks a Graduate Associate Project Manager in Port Talbot. This role involves managing the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects to enhance the UK's energy networks. Responsibilities include project planning, budget monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and risk management. Ideal candidates should hold or be pursuing a minimum 2:2 degree in relevant fields and possess a valid UK driving licence. A comprehensive graduate programme offers extensive development opportunities and a starting salary of £36,640.

Benefits

£2,000 bonus upon joining

26 days holiday

£2,400 payment upon program completion

Up to £200 accommodation allowance

Pension and share-option schemes

Qualifications

• You'll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related fields.
• A full valid UK driving licence is required.
• You must be flexible to travel across project sites.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of detailed project plans including scope and timelines.
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring to ensure projects stay within financial targets.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external contractors to drive project delivery.
• Engage with stakeholders to maintain transparency and alignment.
• Identify project risks and contribute to mitigation strategies.
• Monitor progress against key milestones and provide status updates.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Budget Monitoring

Risk Management

Communication

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in a relevant field

Job description

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we've played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we're leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it's no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.

About the Role

Infrastructure Delivery at National Grid plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy by executing major projects that enhance and expand the UK's electricity and gas networks. This team is responsible for delivering critical infrastructure—such as substations and transmission lines—that ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable distribution of energy across the country.

As a Graduate Associate Project Manager, you'll be part of a team that manages the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from early feasibility and stakeholder engagement through to construction, commissioning and project close‑out. You'll contribute to initiatives like the Great Grid Upgrade, which is central to National Grid's ambition to connect more clean, low‑carbon power to homes and businesses across England and Wales.

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in delivering large‑scale infrastructure projects that are vital to the UK's energy transition and sustainability goals. You'll be empowered to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact from day one.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the development of detailed project plans, including scope, timelines and resource allocation.
• Assisting with budget preparation and monitoring to ensure projects stay within financial targets.
• Coordinating with internal teams and external contractors to drive project delivery.
• Engaging with stakeholders such as engineers, clients and regulatory bodies to maintain transparency and alignment.
• Identifying project risks and contributing to mitigation strategies to keep delivery on track.
• Monitoring progress against key milestones and preparing regular status updates.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contributing to contract management activities, including supplier coordination and dispute resolution.
• Participating in project close‑out activities, including evaluations and lessons learned reviews.

Through your work, you’ll contribute directly to National Grid’s mission of delivering sustainable, secure and affordable energy for all.

Our Graduate Programme

As you’ll be joining our 18‑month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business and technical skills. You’ll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so, in addition to support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you’ll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, give feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Commercial pathway, where you’ll further develop commerciality skills and gain important insight into engineering and electricity to increase your understanding of our business and industry. Depending on your role you may complete a formal qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

We believe in the importance of gaining as much on‑the‑job experience as possible and to do this you will complete three 6‑month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18‑month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kick‑start your super‑powered career.

What You’ll Need to Apply

You’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering (various), Construction Management, Information Technology, Finance or Accounting. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real‑world setting.

Due to the amount of travel to our site locations you’ll need to currently have a full valid UK driving licence at the time of application that will allow you to drive in the UK.

You’ll need flexibility to travel within the role and throughout your rotations as required. To carry out the requirements of this role you’ll need to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres.

Location

This role is based in Port Talbot (South Wales), with project sites located across the wider portfolio. As part of your role, you’ll be expected to travel within this region to support project delivery.

What You’ll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640.

Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a super‑powered career at National Grid, we also offer a variety of rewards and benefits:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Other benefits include pension and share‑option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.

More Information

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between November and April 2026.

National Grid’s Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we’re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.

We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.

Equal Opportunity

National Grid is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and all are treated fairly and our application process is equitable and transparent.