Generalist Graduate


Company:	National Highways
Salary:	£30,000 to £30,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester, M1 2WD
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	5 Oct 2026
Closing date:	19 Oct 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Want to explore different career paths whilst making a real impact? Our three-year Graduate Programme at National Highways gives you the chance to rotate around different areas of our business, take on new challenges and build your skills, whilst discovering where your strengths and interests could take you.

Through a series of placements, you’ll gain hands-on experience across areas such as:

Business Transformation

Strategy and Planning

Communications

Operational Delivery

Programmes and Projects

From helping to develop long-term strategies to supporting projects and managing key stakeholder relationships, you’ll be part of the action - and your ideas will help us meet the needs of the millions who rely on our roads every day.

And at the end of your programme, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to continue your own career journey with us, in whichever direction you choose!

What You’ll Get in Return

If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back.

Our graduate programme offers a mix of hands-on experience, workshops, and real-world learning. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible work arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network. And when the programme wraps up, we’ll help you land a permanent role in the business.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme, annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that's where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.

Apply for this job