Graduate Planner – Project Controls

This structured two-year graduate development scheme within the Major Programmes division focuses on training graduates to translate complex infrastructure project scopes into Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules, manage project risks, and apply earned value (EV) methodologies.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Join the Jacobs Graduate Development Programme (GDP) and have a meaningful, positive impact on our environments, communities and societies.   Bring your passion, your ingenuity and your vision. Let’s see the impact we can create, together.  

What will you get?   

Our Graduate Development Programme is a structured two-year scheme designed to support your development at the start of your Jacobs career journey. Through a combination of blended learning, mentoring, progress reviews and networking, you will establish yourself as knowledgeable and competent across four key focus areas; human skills, consulting skills, champion our strategy and your passions.  

The Graduate Development Programme allows you to customise your learning journey to reflect your specific interests, career goals, and technical skillset – creating a graduate experience that is unique to you.  

The GDP is an experience programme, meaning that a large portion of what you’ll learn will be on-the-job. You’ll work with your manager and mentor to collect the learning experiences that will be most meaningful for you.  

The programme is more than just a steppingstone. It’s a launchpad for your career, offering you the tools, experiences and support you need. Join us and unlock your potential as you work on meaningful projects and collaborate with industry leaders to deliver outcomes and solutions for complex challenges.    

About the opportunity  

In Major Programmes, we deliver today’s most complex, challenging and iconic infrastructure and transformation programmes. We work with our clients, across multiple sectors, to unlock better social, environmental and economic outcomes.

Our dedicated teams have the experience and expertise to integrate and manage the scale, complexity and interdependencies that exist within major programmes. We address global challenges in an integrated way, from urbanisation, climate change, logistics and digital proliferation to security, water scarcity, investment partnerships and mega infrastructure.  
 
As a Project Controls - Planning Graduate, you will learn and develop your skills to enable you to translate project scopes of work into design and/or construction Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules that meet project objectives and address project constraints and risks. You will also you will be able to include the application of earned value (EV) methodologies, regular updates, time impact analysis of changes, and reporting to schedules.  
 
To enable you to achieve this you will work towards achieving the following: 
* General Career Development 
* Client & Stakeholder Management 
* Planning & Performance 
* Risk Management 
* Execution: Quality & Innovation 
* Leadership Ability  

The start date for this position is September 2026.  

Here's what you'll need

• Be working towards a relevant Degree or Master’s level qualification in STEM or Engineering discipline degree

• A flexible self-starter who is keen to drive your career forward 

• Adaptable to change, with a thirst for learning new things 

• You must have the permanent right to work in the UK  

What else we provide   

• A flexible workstyle, embracing a hybrid working pattern and supporting those who need to balance work/life commitments a bit differently than others  

• Free single medical cover and digital GP service  

• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships  

• A focus on safety, health, and wellbeing, prioritising our people through a culture of caring and positive mental health champion network  

• Opportunities to give back to our communities through our Collectively program, incorporating matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.