Graduate - Quantity Surveying

Jobtrain; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Health & wellbeing support

Generous annual leave 26–31 days

Job summary

National Highways in Manchester invites applications for its three‑year Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across major infrastructure projects and work towards Chartered QS status with RICS, while earning a £30,000 salary.

You'll join a supportive team, with mentoring, a residential induction in Birmingham, and a hybrid working pattern. Eligibility requires a 2:2+ in QS/Building/Construction (or MSc QS), RICS accreditation, and the right to work in the UK for

Qualifications

• Hold or be on track to achieve before 27 Aug 2027 a 2:2+ in QS/Building/Construction undergrad degree or a Masters in QS.
• All qualifications must be accredited by RICS.
• Be able to attend residential induction in Birmingham from 6–9 September 2027.
• Have the Right to Work in the UK for the full three-year programme; sponsorship not offered.

Responsibilities

• Cost planning and commercial management.
• Procurement and contract strategy.
• Risk and value management.
• Stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Commercial awareness

Education

QS/Building/Construction degree (2:2+ or MSc)

RICS‑accredited qualification

Tools

None

Job description

Quantity Surveying Graduate

Salary: £30,000

Programme start date: September 2027

Location: Manchester

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Ready to build your career in Quantity Surveying whilst delivering important national infrastructure projects? On National Highways’ three-year Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across major infrastructure projects while working towards becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Working closely with experienced Quantity Surveyors, you’ll develop your knowledge and expertise across key areas including:

• Cost planning and commercial management

• Procurement and contract strategy

• Risk and value management

• Stakeholder engagement

From managing costs and contracts to helping make sure investment delivers value, you’ll see how Quantity Surveyors play a vital role in delivering projects across our strategic road network.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have built the skills, experience and professional knowledge to continue your career with us in quantity surveying and progress towards RICS chartership.

What You’ll Get in Return

If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back.

Our graduate programme offers a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible work arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network. And when the programme wraps up, we’ll help you land a permanent role in the business.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme, annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!

What You’ll Need to Succeed

You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work and be ready to adapt when things change. We’re looking for people who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively and think critically to solve problems. If you’re curious and keen to learn, you’ll be ready to grow with us.

To be eligible for our graduate programme, you must:

• Hold or be on track to achieve before 27th August 2027: A 2:2 or above in a Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying or Construction undergraduate degree, or a Masters in Quantity Surveying.

• All qualifications must be accredited as a base for Chartered learning by the RICS and obtained from an institution that awards RICS accredited qualifications.

• Be able to attend our residential induction in Birmingham from 6th - 9th September 2027.

• Have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the three-year programme. Due to the salary levels of the programme and the permanent role that graduates will transition to at the end of the programme, we cannot offer sponsorship for individuals that don't have the Right to Work in the UK.

• Live, or be willing to relocate, within one hour’s travel of the office location listed on this advert and be able to attend the office at least 2 days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. We are unable to offer relocation support, so please consider carefully how you will meet this requirement before applying.

Your Journey to Joining Us

Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2027, and we’ll let you know soon after whether you’ve been successful.

All offers to the programme are conditional on successfully passing both our pre‑employment checks and programme enrolment process before the programme starts. Pre-employment checks include Right to Work, references and criminal record/DBS checks. During programme enrolment, we’ll check that your education and qualifications meet the programme entry requirements, working with our training providers and professional body partners where applicable. If we cannot verify the information you provided in your application, or you do not meet the requirements of either process, your offer may be withdrawn.

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that’s where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.