2026 Graduate Programme

Job DescriptionAt WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.We are recruiting for a Graduate Cost Manager for our Oxfordshire Lexica team. Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by January 2026.We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world-leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment. Our clients tell us that we are different from other consultancies. They know that we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations. By joining Lexica, you will be part of the journey with our clients and colleagues.A little bit more about your role and the team…As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for providing full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments ad new-build schemes. You will help to deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administration of contracts, and ensuring strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trust, science clients, and design teams.Day-to-day Activities Could Include Assisting in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle. Assisting with the preparation of estimates, cost modules and cost plans. Assisting with the preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation. Undertaking monthly assessments for payment. Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report to the client Assisting with cost reports, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team, you will be dealing with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments.Graduate Development ProgrammeOur two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience.To find out more, please visit: Who we are - ECPOur teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. We encourage you to achieve chartered status making your development is a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered or incorporated status.To find out more about Sectors and Specialisms we recruit our Graduates into, as well as qualification requirements, please click on the Graduate brochure or Graduate website links provided here.What Will We Be Looking For You To DemonstrateYou’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying / Commercial Management. Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage, will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career’s recruitment process. You'll be looking to start work in January 2026. You’ll have a desire to develop your career and become chartered. You’ll have an understanding of project controls and financial management, importance of maintaining accurate reporting across all project stages and ensuring compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards. You’ll have a commercial awareness, be a logic thinker, who works efficiently and accurately. You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including timelines for recruitment, please visit our Early Careers brochure - Application & SelectionWe review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.With us, you can . Apply today.About UsWe are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?Work-life balanceAt WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.Inclusivity & BelongingWe welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.Health & WellbeingWe are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.Flex your timeTo enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.Your developmentWe understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.#WeAreWSPHere at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.