Graduate Programme 2026 - Cost Management and Commercial Management - Leeds

Turner Townsend; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy in Leeds is offering a 24-month Graduate Development Programme. The program aims to develop future consultants in cost management through structured training and exposure to various sectors. Successful candidates will learn essential skills and have opportunities for professional qualifications, frameworks in place for continuous development, and a strong commitment towards sustainability in the built environment.

Benefits

Professional development support

Collaborative team environment

Global opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• A relevant degree in a construction or engineering-related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Motivated to contribute to sustainability in construction.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in cost management and decision-making.
• Work with HIVE applications to improve project efficiency.
• Engage in team projects to drive positive social and environmental change.

Skills

Contract administration and management

Cost control and performance management

Cost modelling and benchmarking

Estimating and measurement

Core skills in quantity surveying

Stakeholder management

Cost auditing and assurance

Procurement and tendering

Analytical thinking

Data fluency

Education

Relevant degree (e.g., Quantity Surveying)

Tools

HIVE applications and tools

Job description

Overview

Our 24-month Graduate Development Programme (GDP) provides you with a learning environment to help you become a well-rounded consultant and launch your career. From day one, you'll dive into the heart of Turner & Townsend, building your internal networks and deepening your understanding of our industry and service area. This is your chance to develop industry knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. As a part of our team, you'll receive a structured development plan tailored to introduce you to the technical and commercial competencies that are the steppingstones to success at Turner & Townsend. A dedicated Graduate Development Manager will be your guide, providing support and ensuring you're on the right track. Our learning approach goes beyond traditional 'on-the-job' training. You'll benefit from a blend of technical and behavioural training, learning from both peers and experienced professionals. This comprehensive approach equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel. We are committed to your continuous learning and professional development, and we offer opportunities to pursue professional qualifications with esteemed institutions. Are you ready to embark on a journey that will shape your career and future? Join us at Turner & Townsend and make the difference!

Cost Management

Cost Management is a core discipline at Turner & Townsend, focused on delivering value for money across the lifecycle of a project. It involves managing costs from initial feasibility through to final delivery, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

What You'll Do

As a graduate in this area, you'll play a key role in helping clients make informed decisions and manage risk. The role offers a fast-paced environment where you can contribute to commercial success across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Infrastructure
• Central & Local Government
• Health & Education
• Energy and Natural Resources
• Commercial Development
• Data Centres
• Life Sciences
• Defence
• Digital Innovation

You'll also work with our HIVE applications and tools, which are part of our integrated service offering. Unique to Turner & Townsend, HIVE is a digital platform that supports our global business by using data and technology to improve cost efficiency and reduce carbon impact across projects. As part of the cost management role, you may have the opportunity (subject to internal review) to complete a 6-month secondment with the CM Digital Team in a hybrid position.

Core Skills You'll Develop

• Contract administration and management
• Cost control and performance management
• Cost modelling and benchmarking
• Estimating and measurement
• Core and technical skills in quantity surveying
• Value management and value engineering
• Stakeholder management
• Cost auditing and assurance
• Supply chain and market engagement
• Procurement and tendering
• Developing commercial strategies and programme setup
• Creating digital solutions to enhance performance
• Delivering projects using Turner & Townsend's bespoke digital tools
• Using our industry-leading Embodied Carbon Calculator

Professional Qualification

We'll also fully support you through the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), helping you work toward becoming a professionally chartered surveyor.

Sector Exposure and Development

• Sector Exposure: The opportunity to broaden your knowledge across sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, advisory, defence, and energy and natural resources while developing the skills to provide commercial, strategic, and analytical advice to clients.
• Client and Team Engagement: The opportunity to work with your colleagues in a team environment, and with our clients, to drive positive social and environmental change, encourage innovation and create a sustainable energy future.
• Tailored Development: A personalised training plan designed to grow your skills and knowledge, with tools to help you track and advance your progress.
• Technical Training: Access to our Technical Training Academy, where you'll deepen your professional expertise, sharpen your capabilities, and prepare for future challenges.
• Supportive Culture: A collaborative team environment that actively supports your development and helps you grow your career as a professional.
• Global Opportunity: The chance to join a high-performing, global professional services firm known for its resilience and adaptability in changing market conditions.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Opportunities to contribute to our commitments in sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, wellbeing, and community impact.
• Passion: A genuine interest in the built environment and the construction industry, including both infrastructure and real estate.
• Client Focus: A strong desire to deliver excellent service and uphold our commitment to quality in everything you do.
• Sustainability Awareness: Conscious of environmental challenges and motivated to contribute to a more sustainable future in construction.
• Analytical Thinking: Able to approach problems logically and eager to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Data Fluency: Comfortable working with data and confident in presenting insights clearly and effectively.
• Drive: Motivated to contribute to the successful delivery of projects and programmes.
• Self-Awareness: Recognise your own development needs and are committed to learning and refining your technical and commercial skills.