Graduate Host Cities Consultant in London

The Opportunity

Working in our Host Cities team, we focus on helping cities consider, bid, plan and host major events around the world whilst also focusing on delivering long term legacy benefits for all of its citizens in a way that champions the UN Sustainable Delivery Goals. Our projects include Olympic, Pan American and Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cups and other major events. Our work also extends to the delivery of major national infrastructure and redevelopment projects under Government to Government agreements, such as Peru Reconstruction.

A significant part of the role is about bringing people together around shared aspirations and facilitating appropriate processes and narratives so that all stakeholders and interested parties can achieve their longer‑term ambitions through the hosting of major events.

Collaborations:

• National and City governments and mayors
• Sporting federations and sporting bodies
• Major franchise and other interested bodies
• Property developers and regeneration companies
• Clients of major infrastructure projects such as rail, airports, highways, and ports

As a graduate you would help our team deliver successful outcomes for our clients and other stakeholders. Your role would include undertaking research and analysis, and producing reports, graphics and technical drawings, at every stage of the planning and delivery of projects.

In addition, as the sector undergoes a digital transformation, you will support the development of new ways of working to help our clients embrace the many benefits of AI and digital planning to deliver better projects.

The Host Cities team is a team of Urban Designers, Architects, Planners and Engineers, part of our wider Cities Planning and Design group based in London, delivering multidisciplinary and holistic outcomes for clients. This group provides strategy, planning and design consulting services to many high‑profile clients. You will have the opportunity to work with other professionals across Arup, and in a variety of projects covering Architecture, City Economics, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Transport Planning, Sustainability Consulting, Event Operations and Design, and City Operations.

Is this role right for you?

We are currently looking for graduates to join our Host Cities team of bright, experienced professionals in our London office. This is an exciting position for a confident, ambitious and collaborative individual who strives to create better outcomes through the transformational opportunity that large major sporting events offer to cities around the world.

We’re looking for graduates with a strong technical base, who have the flexibility, curiosity for learning and personal drive to get involved with a range of tasks and projects from day one. We’d like you to have an interest in sustainable development, heritage, culture, transport, sports, and social infrastructure.

From your first day you’ll join an unrivalled community of experts, where everyone is supported in their career path and provided with great training opportunities. You’ll help us deliver effective and professional services for a range of varied and high‑profile clients. While you’ll have a great deal of responsibility from day one, we’ll give you the chance to take on more as you progress and broaden your skills.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• An undergraduate degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Business, Urban Studies, Geography.
• A post‑graduate degree and/or professional experience or placement in Architecture, Urban Design or Planning, whilst not essential is desirable.
• A technical design portfolio is required to apply to this role.
• An interest in sport, though not essential, would be desirable.
• Excellent drawing and presentation skills, including 3D modelling and outstanding graphics is desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp and other CAD software is desirable.
• An interest or skills in Project Management is desirable.
• Ability to analyse data and maps, and develop research methods and execute research projects.
• Ability to interpret the needs of clients and other stakeholders, and take a strategic view on complex, multifaceted issues.
• Ability to apply Total Design as a holistic approach to work, problem solving and critical thinking, championing different skills, perspectives and values.
• Other skills such as GIS, Data Management, Statistical Analysis, AI Image Generation, Programming and other digital skills are beneficial but not required.
• Experience and/or good knowledge on sustainable development is desirable.

Ideal Personal Attributes:

• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026.