2026 Graduate Associate Project Manager, Infrastructure Delivery

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 as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 121 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, giving feedback and presentation skills.  Aligned to this role is our Commercial pathway, where you’ll further develop commerciality skills and gain important insight of engineering and electricity to increase your understanding of our business and industry. Dependent upon your role you may complete a formal qualification such as (Chartered Institute of Professional Development) CIPD.

We believe in the importance of getting 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 to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered 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 license at time of application that will allow you to drive in the UK. 

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

Location

This role is based in Bristol, 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 superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too: 

• £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 - 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