2026 graduate business operations assistant

We are looking for bright and committed graduates who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the Plant and construction industry.

Role Overview

This role is within the Select Plant Hire business. Our Operations Management Graduate will assist and work within multiple departments, to coordinate and optimise the day-to-day operations carried out by our teams, ensuring an efficient and effective service for customers. The role involves strategic planning, business analysis, and hands-on operational coordination, to push for improvements and achieve the businesses goals. There will be opportunity for rotation through different departments within the Select Plant Hire business, developing your operational skills and knowledge.

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities

• Process Optimisation – Identify, enhance and implement new business and operational processes.
• Allocation – Assist with allocation of workforce, plant and finance, looking for optimal utilisation.
• Continuous Improvement - Addressing operational challenges and proactively seeking and assisting the implementation of solutions.
• Operational Planning – Assist with the development of operational plans/work.
• Leverage data from across the business to produce coherent and comprehensive analysis and reports to support decision making by management with regards product development, investment, and business planning.
• Willingness to work additional hours outside the contracted hours as and when required.
• Willingness to stay away from home as and when required.
• Visit client sites as and when required to review performance and develop relationships with the client and operations teams.
• To liaise with teams across the business and identify cross-functional opportunities for knowledge sharing and business improvement.
• Ad hoc duties to assist the business to achieve its overall aims.
• Gain a breadth of knowledge from across Select business with regards to products, processes, and people.
• Explore opportunities for general business improvement process redesign.

Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire; Dartford, Kent

Degree Subjects: Business, Construction and Engineering related degrees are desirable, however other degrees will be considered.

Professional Accreditation: Depending on your degree subject, examples include Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The Laing O'Rourke Graduate Development Programme - what can you expect?

Our graduate programme is designed to embrace and develop your capabilities. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to continue learning throughout your career. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your personal development and the achievement of professional accreditation as a priority. Our programme will give you the practical experience, technical learning and professional development while being part of some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects in the UK.

Our Application Process

We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our graduate opportunities:

• CV Submission: Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.
• Online Assessment: You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.
• Video Interview: At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.
• Assessment Centre: Our in-person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first-hand.
• Outcome: We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks.

Entry requirements

• Studying or have obtained a Business, Construction or Engineering related degree is desirable, however other degrees will be considered.
• Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation.
• Your degree classification should be 2:2 or higher.
• Entry degrees will be listed within each of our graduate vacancies and differ from role to role.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
• Flexibility as you may be required to work away.
• Eligible to work in the UK.

Accessibility and Support: We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Graduate Development Programme will commence in September 2026.

Benefits include: Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Personal Accident and Injury Insurance, Income Protection.