Estate Strategy and Planning - Evolve Graduate Programme 2027

Cooper & Hall Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-leading pension

270 hours annual leave

9-day working fortnight

Salary-sacrifice scheme

Life Assurance

Employee discounts

Welcome payment

Interest-free loan

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health Services

Regular graduate pay reviews

Structured career progression

Job summary

AWE invites graduates to join a two-year Estates Strategy and Planning Graduate Programme in the UK. You will build analytical, technical and stakeholder-engagement capability while learning how strategic planning, asset management, investment, sustainability and energy objectives converge in a highly regulated environment.

Starting September 2027, you will gain exposure to strategic planning, investment proposals and evidence-based decision-making, with clear pathways into Estates Strategy and

Qualifications

• 2:2 minimum degree grade in any degree discipline.
• You must be available to join AWE in September 2027.
• You must be a British National and able to obtain security clearance.
• You must be willing to work onsite and pass an Occupational Health assessment.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of long-term estate strategies and plans that keep infrastructure safe, efficient and fit for purpose.
• Contribute to asset-management plans, requirements capture and future capability planning.
• Support infrastructure investment proposals, options appraisal and business-case development.
• Analyze complex estate, asset and energy data to support evidence-based decisions.
• Contribute to energy, carbon-reduction, efficiency and environmental-impact strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to align plans with business needs and value for money.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Organised

Proactive

Education

2:2 minimum degree

Job description

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise.

Programme purpose

The Estates Strategy and Plans team shapes the long-term development, performance and sustainability of AWE’s estate. As a Graduate, you will support the strategies, plans and evidence that ensure infrastructure and assets remain safe, efficient and fit for purpose.

The two-year programme will build your analytical, technical, commercial and stakeholder-engagement capability. You will learn how strategic planning, asset management, investment, sustainability and energy objectives come together in a complex and highly regulated organisation.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Support the development of long-term estate strategies and plans that keep infrastructure safe, efficient and fit for purpose.

• Contribute to asset-management plans, requirements capture and future capability planning.

• Support infrastructure investment proposals, options appraisal and business-case development.

• Analyse complex estate, asset and energy data to support evidence-based decisions.

• Contribute to energy, carbon-reduction, efficiency and environmental-impact strategies.

• Work with project teams, operational users and technical specialists to align plans with business needs and value for money.

Learning and development

• How estate strategies and asset-management plans are developed, governed and aligned to organisational objectives.

• How infrastructure investment proposals and business cases balance cost, risk, performance and future capability.

• Requirements capture, options appraisal, data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

• How strategic estate planning links with project delivery and operational priorities.

• Energy management, carbon reduction, sustainability and environmental performance across a complex estate.

• Stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing across multidisciplinary teams.

Career development and progression

You will gain exposure to strategic planning, infrastructure investment, asset-management principles, business-case development, project delivery, operations, sustainability and energy management. Following successful completion, you will be well positioned to develop within Estates Strategy and Planning or a related discipline, with increasing responsibility for investment decisions and strategic direction.

Behaviours and qualities

• Proactive: You take ownership, show initiative and look for practical ways to add value.

• Analytical: You can interpret complex information and use evidence to support recommendations.

• Collaborative: You build constructive relationships and value the knowledge of different stakeholders.

• Organised: You can manage competing priorities and deliver work to a high standard.

• Detail focused: You understand the importance of accuracy, quality and compliance.

• Adaptable: You respond positively to changing priorities and new challenges.

Entry requirements

• 2:2 Minimum degree grade in any degree discipline

• You must be available to join AWE in September 2027.

• You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

• You must be willing to work onsite and complete an Occupational Health pre-employment assessment.

Salary and benefits

• £31,000 starting salary.

• A market-leading contributory pension scheme.

• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.

• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts.

• A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan.

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

• Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.

Support and community

• A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead.

• A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort.

• A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks.

• Structured development, leadership activity and relevant professional learning.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Applications open on 2 November 2026. Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.

• Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.

• Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during December 2026 and January 2027.

• Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.

• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer, Occupational Health and security-clearance stages before joining in September 2027.

Security and operational requirements

You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. The role is onsite and successful candidates must complete the required Occupational Health pre-employment assessment.

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

AWE aims to create workplaces where differences are recognised and celebrated, diverse contributions are encouraged and employees feel able to be themselves. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process, with inclusion information handled in accordance with GDPR.