Graduate Construction Planner

Balfour Beatty Graduate Planner role develops graduates in project planning, scheduling, project controls, forecasting and performance monitoring for major UK power and infrastructure projects.

About the role

We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you’ll recognise what we do. We’re a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.

As a Graduate - Planner - Leeds, you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands-on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility, develop technical and professional skills, and work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your growth. You'll also be part of a supportive graduate community, building the skills, experience and industry-recognised accreditations needed for a successful career.

In this role, you’ll join one of our Balfour Beatty Power T&D teams as a Graduate - Planner - Leeds, based in Leeds, supporting projects nationally.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate - Planner - Leeds you’ll play an important role in supporting the planning and successful delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects. Working alongside experienced planners, engineers, and project teams, you'll apply your academic knowledge in a practical environment while developing the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed for a successful career in project planning and project controls.

You'll gain experience developing and maintaining project programmes, monitoring performance, analysing progress data, and supporting project teams to achieve delivery objectives. Through a structured graduate development programme, you'll build expertise in planning, project controls, programme management, forecasting, and project delivery while working towards professional accreditation..

You’ll support with:

• Supporting the day-to-day planning function across projects, helping to ensure programmes remain accurate, updated, and aligned with delivery requirements
• Developing, maintaining, and updating short-term and long-term project programmes to reflect progress and project changes
• Managing and updating project and contractual programmes in line with reporting requirements and project objectives
• Monitoring project progress, analysing programme performance, and identifying variances, risks, and opportunities
• Supporting the collection, analysis, and presentation of progress and performance information to support project decision-making
• Applying planning techniques including sequencing, logic development, critical path analysis, resource planning, and forecasting
• Producing planning reports, programme updates, dashboards, and performance information for project teams and stakeholders
• Supporting project controls activities, including baseline management, change management, and programme assurance
• Working with project teams to understand project requirements, construction activities, and delivery strategies
• Supporting forecasting activities relating to labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, and project resources
• Building strong working relationships with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance programme management, reporting, and project performance
• Using industry-standard planning software and digital tools to support project planning and controls activities
• Developing an understanding of project controls, programme management, project delivery, and construction operations
• Taking ownership of your ongoing professional development, working towards professional accreditation and developing advanced technical and leadership capabilities.

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over past experience and are looking for graduates with a degree in Construction Management/Civil Engineering or related and a genuine interest in our industry. To be eligible, you’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree by the time you start.

We’d love to receive your application if you:

• Are curious, proactive and motivated to develop professionally.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Work well with others and build positive relationships.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with different people.
• Take ownership, adapt to challenges and are committed to achieving results.

Please note that this role may require travel to various locations, which means you may occasionally need to work and stay away from home. Flexibility is essential, as assignments can vary based on project needs. All reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Before joining Balfour Beatty, you must hold a full UK driver's license. 

Why work for us as a Graduate

• Work on high-profile projects that make a real difference, while building your career with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure groups.
• Be part of a supportive early careers network, with structured training and with structured training and coaching from experienced industry professionals.
• Take part in unique development experiences, including residential trips in the Lake District and personal development delivered by our external partners.
• Take ownership of your ongoing professional development, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your career path.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
• 25 days' holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long-term career.
• Clear progression opportunities, with bi-annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow graduates through networking events, development activities and our Early Careers Showcase.
• Opportunities to get involved in wider business initiatives, community projects and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

About us

The power sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in infrastructure, helping to keep homes, businesses and communities connected. It plays a vital role in supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon future by strengthening electricity networks and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.

At Balfour Beatty, our Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to deliver engineering solutions across the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From early-stage planning and design through to construction and maintenance, our teams help deliver some of the UK's most ambitious power projects, improving network resilience and supporting a more sustainable energy future.