Graduate Project Manager - Leeds - 2026

OCU; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2-year Graduate Programme

Hands-on experience

Job summary

OCU invites graduates to join its two-year Graduate Programme in Leeds to develop project management skills across infrastructure and utility projects. You will work with a multidisciplinary delivery team, gaining exposure from initiation through delivery, commissioning and handover, coordinating activities and ensuring high standards of safety and quality.

You will gain hands-on experience in planning, risk and contract management, while developing leadership and stakeholder management

Qualifications

• Degree in Project Management (2:2 or higher)
• Driving licence beneficial for travel between offices and project sites
• Placements/internships related to project delivery or engineering are advantageous

Responsibilities

• Assist with project planning and resource coordination.
• Monitor programme performance and contribute to reporting.
• Coordinate activities with office and site teams and stakeholders.
• Develop leadership, commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills

Education

Degree in Project Management

Degree in Construction Management

Degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Description

Department: OCU Trenchless
Location: Leeds
You'll play a key role in supporting the successful planning, coordination and delivery of infrastructure and utility projects across OCU. Based in Leeds, you'll work as part of a multidisciplinary project delivery team, helping to manage projects that provide essential services and infrastructure for communities across the UK.
You'll gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from project initiation and planning through to delivery, commissioning and handover. Working alongside experienced Project Managers, Engineers, Commercial teams, clients and operational teams, you'll help coordinate project activities, monitor programme performance and support the delivery of projects that are completed safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
As part of the role, you'll assist with project planning, resource coordination, risk management, reporting and stakeholder communication. You'll help track progress against project milestones, support financial and programme reporting and contribute to solving challenges that arise during project delivery. You'll also gain valuable experience in contract management, project governance and client engagement, developing a strong understanding of how successful projects are managed from both an operational and commercial perspective.
The role will involve regular collaboration with both office and site-based teams, providing valuable hands‑on experience and exposure to live project environments. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, develop your leadership and stakeholder management skills, and become an important contributor to delivering projects that support communities and critical infrastructure networks.
You'll enjoy balancing strategic planning with day-to-day project coordination, helping to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Perfect For

Graduates who are passionate about project management and want to build a career leading the successful delivery of complex projects. You'll be organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with strong communication and problem‑solving skills and an interest in construction, engineering, utilities or infrastructure.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coordinating activities, working collaboratively with different teams and seeing projects progress from concept through to completion. You'll be keen to develop your leadership, commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills while gaining practical experience in project planning, delivery and performance management.

You'll enjoy balancing strategic planning with day-to-day project coordination, helping to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Entry Requirements

You'll need (or be on track to achieve) a degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline with a minimum 2:2 classification.
Due to the nature of the role and travel between offices and project sites, a full UK driving licence would be beneficial.
Experience gained through placements, internships, university projects or part‑time employment involving project delivery, team coordination, business operations or engineering would be advantageous.

Training Programme

Our 2 year Graduate Programme combines structured training with hands‑on experience, giving you real responsibility from day one. You'll learn directly alongside industry experts in a collaborative, supportive environment. We invest in your continuous professional development, giving you the tools, confidence and clear progression path to build a long term career within OCU.
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing [e-mail].