Graduate Transport Planner in Manchester

We are Sweco, Europe’s leading design, engineering, environment, and regulatory consultancy. We are now taking applications for the Autumn 2027 cohort of our Early Careers Graduate Scheme.

Now Recruiting: Graduate Transport Planner to Join Our Infrastructure & Environment Division.

One of the great things about Sweco is that our culture empowers people at every grade to make a difference. You will have the flexibility to shape your day-to-day role, contribute fresh ideas to our team's direction, and help us continuously improve how we deliver for our clients.

You will be stepping into a busy, established department with a strong pipeline of secured work. Our Transport Planning team is made up of highly skilled professionals delivering a wide range of transport planning services across both the public and private sectors.

You will have the opportunity to work on highly impactful schemes similar to our recent work in Bradford City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, and Manchester City Centre. You will also be working with larger public sector bodies like National Highways on projects like the A47.

What Does the Role Involve?

• As a Graduate Transport Planner, you will contribute to the successful delivery of transport planning projects from inception through to strategy development, appraisal, business case preparation, and detailed scheme design.
• Working closely with experienced consultants, you will develop your analytical, technical, and communication skills while contributing to meaningful projects.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data relating to transport systems, including traffic patterns, public transport use, active travel, accessibility, and economic impacts.
• Support the development and appraisal of transport strategies, business cases, funding bids, feasibility studies, and transport schemes.
• Undertake research into transport policy, local context, best practices, and emerging trends to inform project recommendations.
• Provide day-to-day technical input as part of a team of transport planning consultants.
• Produce clear, well-reasoned reports, technical notes, and presentations that communicate data, evidence, and recommendations effectively to colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across transport planning, engineering, and other disciplines to deliver integrated solutions and added value for clients.
• Manage your allocated tasks with support from project managers, ensuring your work is delivered to the agreed scope, program, quality standards, and budget.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues and clients, sharing knowledge and taking pride in the quality of your work.
• Engage with the Transport Planning Society’s Professional Development Scheme, supporting your progression towards Chartered Transport Planning Professional status.

Who Are We Looking For?

Our unique, personalised program is designed for passionate, forward-thinking graduates who want to change the world around them, who will thrive in a dynamic team environment, and who are hungry to collaborate not only with fellow graduates but also with mentors and leaders across the business.

What Do You Need to Apply?

• Have a degree relevant to the role you’re applying for.
• Have less than 12 months of relevant work experience (excluding placements).
• Are confident using Microsoft Office and other relevant digital tools.
• Are driven, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Can work in the UK without restrictions either now or in the future.

This is a permanent role, and we’re looking for candidates who can grow their careers with Sweco without a time limit.

What’s in it for You?

Our Graduate Scheme offers a two-year blended learning experience, with a tailored program delivered virtually and face-to-face. You’ll have the chance to network and grow with the 2027 cohort. Personal growth will be supported by our Early Careers team, mentors, and subject matter experts from across the business.

Structured masterclasses focus on Internal Insight, Skills Development, and Subject Matter Expertise, helping fast-track your development as you pursue professional accreditation. The programme builds your confidence early in your career and gives you a platform for genuine impact within Sweco.

You’ll receive a permanent position with an industry-standard salary and benefits package, including 25 days holiday, a great pension, and life assurance.

Please note, we will hold an assessment centre for this position in January / February 2027. All applicants will be contacted regardless of the outcome.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future. Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding, and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation, and make societies more sustainable.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning, or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part-time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day-to-day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity, and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco 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.

We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 who opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.