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 oppourtunity 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 experienceor placementin 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, whist 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 andPowerpoint 
• Knowledge ofAdobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp and other CAD software is desirable 
• An interest in,or skills in Project Management skills 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, andtake a strategic view on complex, multifaceted issues 
• Ability to apply Total Designasa holistic approach to work, problem solving and critical thinking, championing different skills, perspectives and values. 
• Other skills such asGIS, Data Management, Statistical Analysis, AI Image Generation, Programming and other digital skills are beneficial but not required.  
• Experience and / or good knowledge on sustainable developmentis 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. 

Advert closing date: 5th June 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 20MB. 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. 

Location Preferences 

While the role you applied for is based in the location specified in the job advert, we may have other opportunities that align with your profile. To help us assess this, please let us know which Arup office locations you would be interested in working in on your application form 

Duplicate applications 

Please note, candidates are permitted to submit only one application per recruitment cycle. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and selecting the role and location(s) that best align with your skills and interests before applying. 

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.