Graduate Project Manager (High-Voltage Direct Current Projects), Interconnectors

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

National Grid Ventures (NGV) is our business area which focuses on energy ventures, including Interconnectors. Interconnectors play a key part in the UK’s energy industry, connecting us to our neighbouring countries and providing sustainable, flexible energy transmission. NGV currently owns and operates a portfolio of interconnectors and is in the process of constructing and developing a number of further interconnectors. As well as providing National Grid with strong financial performance, successful operation of these interconnectors offers the GB System Operator a greater diversity of supply, facilitates competition across Europe and helps address the intermittency issues posed by renewables. 

The purpose the Graduate Project Manager is to provide project management support to the High-voltage direct current Project Management Team, who are responsible for developing and delivering our future offshore hybrid assets (OHA).  This is a crucial role in the team regarding the planning and development of engineering projects.  They work closely with Project Managers and Development Engineers to analyse project requirements, evaluate feasibility, whilst contributing to the design and implementation of engineering solutions. 

This is an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience working on innovative international energy projects, whilst being involved in a vital step energy transition while playing a key role in the UK’s journey to Net Zero by 2050.

Your key responsibilities within role will include;

• Assist in project management of development scopes, including onshore and offshore.
• Evaluation and analysis of project requirements, managing scopes against budgets, working with planning to monitor progress against programme.
• Work closely with the Contracts and Project Management Office Team to assist with project reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop engineering solutions that meet project objectives.
• Analyse project risks and participate in risk review meetings with Risk Management team.
• Assist in the promotion of best practice health and safety across the project team.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders, such as contractors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities, to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Assist in the coordination of project activities, including development, procurement, and construction.

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 Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership. 
 
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 a minimum 2:2 in an Electrical Engineering degree. 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 have a full valid UK driving license that allows you to drive in the UK. You’ll also need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required.
 
To be eligible to apply for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they will have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate programme. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, or your visa is due to expire during the period of the graduate scheme, please indicate this in your application and we will consider your eligibility for visa sponsorship and whether it would be appropriate to take your application forward.

Location

This role is based in Warwick with international and national travel required to our operational sites, our suppliers, and joint venture partners (UK and Europe), where possible we offer flexible hybrid working.

What you'll get in return

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £34,895.
 
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. 

Applications & Deadline

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. 

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.

Assessment centres will be held between November 2024 and February 2025.

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