2026 Graduate - Human Innovation & Performance

Job Title: Human Innovation and Performance Graduate  

This role does not provide sponsorship 

Are you passionate about human performance and leadership in complex systems?  

We're 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 construction and engineering industry.    

Role Overview: 

This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work at the intersection of psychology, leadership, team dynamics, and organisational performance. The role is ideal for graduates in psychology, organisational behaviour, human performance, or related fields, who are passionate about people and systems in high-pressure environments. You will work closely with the Human Innovation and Performance (HIP) team, project and functional teams across major infrastructure projects to support the development of high-performing individuals and teams. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Human Innovation and Performance (HiP) Team 

• Maintain regular contact and gather insight from the team of HiP Associates and Coaches 

• Assist the Senior Human Innovation and Performance Manager and Human Innovation and Performance Director with tracking the work of the team and considering impact measurement 

• Support the team with and during scoping conversations about individual and team interventions 

• Assist in the design and delivery of team performance diagnostics, workshops, and interventions 

• Support the facilitation of leadership development and team effectiveness programmes on live projects 

• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data to inform human performance insights  

• Support HiP member and associate coaches working with project teams in embedding high-performance practices.  

• Contribute to research and thinking by exploring the psychology of performance in a wide range of environments.  

• Assist with day-to-day project coordination, workshop preparation, and stakeholder communications.  

• Work closely with senior coaches, psychologists, and operational leaders to drive behavioural change.  

• Support team members with engaging and effective presentation design.  

• Produce case studies, reports, and presentations to capture learning and impact. 

 

What You'll Gain:   

• Opportunities for professional development in psychological practices and facilitation 

• One-to-one mentoring and coaching from highly experienced psychologists and performance experts 

• Real-world experience working on complex, high-value infrastructure projects 

• A deeper understanding of the construction and engineering industry from a human systems perspective, with the opportunity to apply that learning in other environments 

• Opportunities to shape the way human performance is understood and delivered in project environments 

Location   

National

Degree Subjects    

Psychology, Human Factors, Organisational Behaviour, Sports Science, or a related discipline 

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 the 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  

We are looking for graduates who meet the following criteria:   

• Eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the three-year graduate programme  

• A degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation   

• Your degree classification should be 2:1 or higher  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills  

• Critical thinking, curiosity and adaptability  

• Full mobility as you may be required to work away from home for your role  
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**The Graduate Development Programme will commence in September 2026**