Graduate Host Cities Consultant 2026

You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future. Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates to help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.

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.

The opportunity

We have developed important collaborations with some of the leading thinkers, lobbyists and drivers of cities and major events, including:

• 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.

We’re looking for the following qualifications, attributes and 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.
• Please note below that a technical design portfolio is required to apply to this role.
• An interest in sport, which, while 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 in, 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.

We're looking for 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.

Portfolio

In order for your application to be considered for this role, please upload evidence of technical, design or graphic work, for example your sample portfolio or website link. The document must be in PDF format and no larger than 20 MB. Please use image compression and vector drawings where possible to keep the file size down without sacrificing quality. To upload your sample portfolio please add it within the 'supporting documents' section of your application.

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Eligibility

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.

What we offer you

Beyond a great salary and stimulating, technically challenging work, Arup offers a range of additional benefits to its people. As a membership organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme. Our members also have access to a range of broader wellbeing benefits. You’ll have access to lots of learning and development opportunities. This includes a structured induction and ongoing training through Arup University. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to utilise your technical expertise to do meaningful work that strengthens the resilience of communities and places to improve lives through Arup's community engagement programme. Our hybrid work model creates an environment that accommodates different needs and allows members to integrate their work and personal lives alongside the needs of our business, clients and communities.