Graduates

Start on Heidelberg Materials’ graduate trainee management programme and embark on an exciting and rewarding career in the construction industry.

We’re one of the world’s largest suppliers of heavy building materials, employing 51,000 people at around 3,000 sites in over 50 countries.

Our core products are aggregates, cement, concrete, asphalt, which are used in some of the largest construction projects across the globe.

Our graduate programme

We have graduate manager training opportunities available across the UK. 

Our graduate programme will give you the skills, knowledge and experience to become future leaders of our company. You will learn about all aspects of our business as you work alongside some of the most experienced people working in our industry.
We offer two graduate pathways:

Operations (two years) 

  • Gain the skills and expertise to manage our operations with a focus on operational excellence, process improvement and team leadership. 

Cement (three years)

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the cement making process including technical production skills and strategic management.

Scroll down this page for more details on what to include in your application and the recruitment process.

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.

Graduate training: At the end of your internship, you will have the option of joining our graduate manager training programme.

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), sustainability, carbon capture/energy reduction, science, technology, maths, geography, business, accounting, finance, marine, recycling or digital.
  • 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 then 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!
     

If you would like to know about our graduate trainee manager programme, please contact our recruitment team.

Contact our recruitment team

Future leaders

Our graduate programme leads to many careers including business development managers, business analysts, bid managers, sustainability managers, financial accountants, change managers, data analysts, quarry managers and plant managers.

Our graduate trainees

Rachel Morse, graduate manager training programme participant

Rachel Morse - graduate programme participant

Rachel Morse, graduate 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.

Internships - Maximise your summer break by discovering how you can put your degree to work

You will receive structured on the job training and develop new skills, working on real world projects.  Choose from a range of internships including engineering, business and finance project management.  On successful completion of your internship you could find yourself securing a graduate role 

To register your interest please email recruitment@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com or learn more at our internship page here.
 

The 5% Club

We are a platinum member of The 5% Club, which recognises our commitment and development of employees through our graduate programme, apprenticeships and work placements.

Employer of choice

The 5% Club (platinum) / Armed Forces Covenant (silver) / Disability Confident / Mates in Mind / Clear Assured (foundation) / Mineral Products Qualifications Council / Youth Employment UK / Career Transition Partnership / School Outreach / Gradcracker / Well being for Life 

Compensation package

Competitive salaries / Company and individual performance bonus / Generous pension scheme, up to 15 per cent / Life assurance cover

Health and wellbeing

Employee assistance programme / Mental health first aiders / Cycle to work scheme / Employee benefits including gym discount / Free eye tests / Discounted private health cover 

Social value

One paid volunteering day each year / Allyship Network / Network of Women / LGBT+ Network / Armed Forces Network / Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths)

Family friendly policies

Adoption / Carer's leave / Dependency leave / Fertility / Maternity leave / Neonatal care / Parental leave / Paternity policy / Shared parental leave Work-life balance / 27 days holiday excluding bank holidays / Agile and flexible working, hybrid working for come roles / Holiday purchase scheme / Sabbatical leave