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.
- Applications open in September 2025
Graduate Career Pathways at Heidelberg Materials UK - 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
About the Area General Manager Programme
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
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
Post-Programme Career Pathway:
- 6-Year Career Development Plan
Upon successful completion of the graduate programme, participants will transition into a tailored career pathway. Over the next six years, they will progress through key roles and responsibilities, gaining the experience and competencies required to become an Area General Manager (AGM). - Outcome:
By the end of the 6-year pathway, graduates will be fully equipped to take on the AGM role, contributing strategically to business operations and leadership.
After completing the 12 month graduate programme, you’ll step into a role with real responsibility, with potential career paths including:
- Territory Sales Manager
- Operational site manager
- Technical Manager
We believe in structured progression. Graduates will follow a clearly mapped career pathway, with defined milestones and development phases. You’ll be supported by mentors, managers, and a community of peers to help you grow into your next role and beyond.
- Experienced Mentors & Managers
Learn from industry professionals who are committed to your growth. You’ll receive personalised guidance, regular feedback, and support to help you transition from graduate to confident professional. - Strong Peer Network
Join a community of fellow graduates and early-career professionals. Share experiences, collaborate on projects, and build lasting connections across the business. - Ongoing Training & Development
Benefit from structured learning programmes, technical training, and leadership development opportunities. We’ll support your journey with the tools and resources you need.
This is more than a job it’s the start of a long-term career with one of the world’s leading building materials companies.
Role Overviews
Operational site manager
- Develop operational and health & safety skills aligned with our ‘Zero Harm’ goal.
- Support continuous improvement in efficiency, productivity, and compliance.
- Be based at an operational site to build broad expertise.
Sales Management Trainee
- Learn to deliver top-tier customer service and commercial performance.
- Gain experience in sales reporting, competition compliance, and client engagement.
- Prepare for taking on your own territory as a Sales Manager.
Technical Manager
- Build knowledge and leadership capabilities across operations, commercial, finance, and strategy.
- Engage in cross-functional projects and strategic planning.
- Progress toward an Area General Manager role with exposure to senior decision-making.
- Build technical leadership capabilities across product development, quality control, customer support, and sustainability.
- Gain exposure to commercial strategy, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Participate in strategic projects involving laboratory innovation, material optimisation, and customer engagement.
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.
6-Year Career Development Plan
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Engineer Programme, participants transition into a tailored 6-year career pathway. This pathway is designed to:
- Provide exposure to key engineering roles and projects
- Develop leadership and strategic thinking skills
- Build the competencies required to become an Engineering Manager
Outcome
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.
Graduate Engineer
From day one, you’ll be immersed in the world of cement manufacturing, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies, operational excellence, and sustainability practices. You’ll rotate through key departments, working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to live projects.
Your Career Pathway
Over the course of the programme, you’ll progress through roles that build your technical and leadership capabilities:
Graduate Engineer
In your first year, you’ll step into the role of Graduate Engineer, where you’ll gain a deep understanding of cement manufacturing and the critical role engineering plays in keeping our operations running safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
You’ll be based at one of our major cement plants, working in a fast-paced, heavy industrial environment where no two days are the same. From day one, you’ll be hands-on — shadowing experienced engineers, supporting maintenance and reliability activities, and contributing to real-time problem-solving on the shop floor.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to apply engineering principles in a live production environment
- The fundamentals of cement plant operations, including kilns, mills, and material handling systems
- Preventative and reactive maintenance strategies
- Health & Safety best practices in a high-risk environment
- How to work cross-functionally with production, planning, and technical teams
Post-Programme roles
- Electrical/Mechanical Supervisor
Take on supervisory responsibilities, leading small teams and managing maintenance schedules.
- Reliability Engineer (Electrical/Mechanical)
Focus on improving plant performance, reducing downtime, and driving innovation in asset reliability.
- Future Potential: Engineering Manager
Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage capital projects, and shape strategic decisions.
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
