Start your journey on Heidelberg Materials’ Graduate programme and build a rewarding career in the construction industry one that shapes the world around us.
Rachel Morse, Graduate Manager Training Programme Participant
Rachel Morse talks about her experience on our graduate manager training programme, which is designed to train our future leaders and expand our team of specialists. Rachel explains how she is gaining the skills and knowledge for an exciting and rewarding career in construction, including working on some pioneering sustainability projects.
We’re one of the world’s largest suppliers of heavy building materials, with a strong presence across the UK. Our operations span over 300 sites nationwide, including recycling facilities, quarries, cement plants, and concrete production units. Globally, we employ 51,000 people across 3,000 sites in more than 50 countries.
Our core products aggregates, cement, concrete, and asphalt are essential to some of the most ambitious infrastructure and construction projects worldwide. Whether it's building roads, schools, hospitals, or sustainable housing, our materials help create the foundations of modern life.
Join us and be part of a company that’s not only building the future but also committed to sustainability and innovation.
Graduate Career Pathways at Heidelberg Materials UK
Graduate Area General Manager
We’re recruiting for three exciting graduate career pathways for the area general manager programme, each designed to fast-track your development into a leadership role within our business. We’re looking for graduates who are open to relocation. We will be transparent about location expectations during the recruitment process. We are recruiting in the Bristol, Midlands and Southeast areas.
Operational site manager
Sales Management Trainee
Technical Manager
Our Accelerated Graduate Programme is a 12-month immersive experience that sets you up for success. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to our operations, commercial strategy, and leadership practices all while contributing to real projects that shape the built environment.
What we’re looking for
A 2:1 degree in engineering, business, environmental sciences, S.T.E.M subjects
Graduate Cement Programme - Graduate Engineer
Shape the Future of Sustainable Construction. Your Engineering Career Starts Here. Join our 2-year Graduate Cement Programme and become part of a team that’s building the foundations of tomorrow. This is more than just a graduate scheme - it’s a launchpad for your career in engineering, with real responsibility, hands-on experience, and a clear path to leadership.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Engineer Programme, participants transition into a tailored 6-year career pathway. By the end of the 6-year pathway, graduates will be fully equipped to take on the Engineering Manager role, contributing strategically to business operations and leadership.
What we’re looking for
A 2:1 degree in Electrical, Mechanical, chemical or related Engineering disciplines
Passion for sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Willingness to relocate and work in a hands-on Cement industrial setting
Graduate in Contracting
Join us as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor and launch your career in contracting and commercial management. Our Programme is 2 years and from day one, you’ll be working on live projects, gaining practical experience, and developing your skills with the full support of our expert team. We are looking for a Graduate Quantity Surveyor to work in our Road Surfacing Division. We are the 3rd largest asphalt laying contractor in the UK and build a wide range of roads from our Strategic Road Network (Motorways and A Roads) to Local Council roads.
You’ll be based at one of our regional offices, with regular visits to clients and sites, no two days are the same. From day one, you’ll be putting your Quantity Surveying Degree to use supporting our Quantity Surveying team in managing suppliers, managing costs and financial reporting.
What we’re looking for
A 2:1 degree in Quantity Surveying
Curious and driven to learn in a fast-paced, real-world environment
Adaptable and mobile, with a willingness to work across different sites
Team players who thrive on collaboration and problem-solving
Passionate about building a sustainable future in construction
Full UK driving licence
FAQs
Why choose our graduate programme?
A great salary: Earn a starting salary of nearly £31,000 a year (over £33,000 in London) along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Hands-on learning: Gain practical experience working with industry professionals and using real equipment from day one.
Leadership skills: Develop a deep understanding of our business and hone your leadership, technical and people skills.
Professional development: Opportunities for continued learning and career growth including workshops, seminars and networking.
Sustainability: Be a part of our commitment to a more sustainable future including decarbonisation, carbon capture and recycling.
Cutting-edge technology: Gain the skills to operate the latest advancements in construction and digital technology.
Mentoring and support: Dedicated mentorship from a senior manager to provide career advice, personal development and guidance.
Networking opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry experts at company events, conferences and industry seminars.
Diversity and inclusion: We’re proud of our diverse workforce because we know an inclusive workplace makes us more successful.
Social value: Get involved in our many charitable and community events throughout the year that also help us win new contracts.
Career progression: Early advancement in the company including further opportunities for personal growth and development.
Exposure
On the graduate programme you’ll be exposed to:
Quarry operations: Gain practical experience in managing quarry operation. Learn about resource extraction, environmental management and operational efficiency. This includes all aspects of drilling, blasting and material processing, as well as health and safety compliance and environmental regulations. Cement operations: Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the cement manufacturing process from raw material extraction to final product. Get involved in quality control, production planning and equipment maintenance, and learn about optimisation, energy management and sustainability. Major projects: Learn about the intricacies of securing new business and participate in bid preparation, proposal writing and contract negotiations. Gain experience in competitive analysis, pricing strategies and developing value propositions. Marine operations: Discover more about dredging, extraction, transportation and distribution of marine aggregates. Recycling: Learn more about how we are reusing our materials to create recycled construction products. Commercial: Delve into the commercial side of the business and learn about sales strategies, customer relationship management and market analysis. Work with the sales team to develop and implement sales plans, negotiate contracts and understand customer needs. Business: Understand more about our business operations and gain insight into strategic planning, financial management and business development. Work in various business functions including marketing, operations and supply. You will also be involved in project management and process improvements. Strategy: Work with senior leaders to analyse market trends, assess competitive landscapes and form long-term strategies that drive business growth. This includes strategic projects, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate planning. Sustainability: Learn more about our sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon emissions and implementing carbon capture technologies. Work on projects to improve resource efficiency and environmental performance and solutions to minimise our carbon footprint. Finance: Gain experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. You will be involved in financial reporting, investment evaluation and risk management, which drive many strategic business decisions.
Entry requirements
You must have graduated or be expected to graduate with at least a 2:1 in any of the following areas: engineering (mechanical, electrical or chemical), business, Environmental Sciences and S.T.E.M
Strong analytical and numerical skills, and proficiency in all Microsoft 365 applications.
A Full UK driving licence or waiting to take your test.
British citizenship or UK settled status.
Application and recruitment
Submit your application
Pre-recorded interview
You’ll be invited to take part in a pre-recorded video interview and record your responses to a series of questions. This will help us assess your communication skills, motivation and suitability for the role.
Online assessment
If your application meets the initial criteria, you will be asked to complete an online assessment to test your numerical, problem solving and analytical skills.
Interview and insight day
You’ll then be invited to an interview and insight day and be asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on a relevant topic in advance, which will help us assess your research, communications and presentation skills. You will then attend an interview with two senior managers focusing on your skills, competencies and experience. Following the interview, you will have a chance to get a firsthand look at our industry and learn more about our business.
Assessment day
If you successfully progress past these stages of the recruitment process, you'll be invited to an assessment day that will include:
Interactive workshops: Exercises that simulate real job scenarios and challenges.
Group discussions: Activities to demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Written assessment: A one-hour written task on health and safety.
Application outcome
We will let you know whether you are successful and if you are selected for the graduate programme, you will be given a full induction. Good luck!
