Aon Graduate Programme - Business Development 2026

Aon; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global risk management firm in Reading is seeking a Graduate Business Development Executive to drive growth in the insurance sector. This role involves building relationships and supporting tailored client solutions. Candidates should have or be on track to achieve a 2:1 degree. The position is part of a comprehensive graduate programme offering professional development and mentorship.

Benefits

Paid study leave

Extensive tuition materials

Support towards qualifications

Responsibilities

• Drive growth and build relationships in the insurance sector.
• Identify new opportunities and nurture client relationships.
• Support development of tailored solutions for clients.

Skills

Motivation and ambition

Passion and curiosity

Commercial awareness

Relationship-building

Self-starter

Technological awareness

Resilience and adaptability

Analytical thinking

Education

2:1 degree or equivalent

Job description

Commercial Risk – Business Development Executive Graduate Programme 2026

Start Date: 2nd September 2026

Application closing date: 5th December 2025

Better Decisions Begin with You:

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organisation, we are united through trust as one inclusive, diverse team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

Commercial Risk Solutions

Trends in economics, demographics and geopolitics – compounded by the rapid pace of technological change – are creating unprecedented volatility for organisations. We assist clients with their insurance buying decisions, aiming to optimise the balance of risk transfer and retention financing through valuation and analysis.

Your role as a Graduate Business Development Executive

Join our team as a Graduate Business Development Executive, where you’ll play a key role in driving growth and building relationships within the ever‑evolving insurance sector. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your commercial skills, gain hands‑on experience, and make a meaningful impact from day one as you work alongside industry experts in a supportive and collaborative setting.

As a Graduate Business Development Executive, you will play a pivotal role in the company’s sustained growth and success. You’ll be at the forefront of identifying new opportunities, nurturing client relationships, and supporting the development of tailored solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs.

Through hands‑on experience and mentorship, you will gain a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, market trends, and the challenges faced by businesses today. You’ll also build a robust professional network, positioning yourself for future career growth within Aon and the wider industry.

Your Development

As an Aon Graduate, you will be enrolled onto our Launch Programme when you join. This development programme is built around three core elements:

• Business learning – on‑job learning and experiences giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the team and solution line you have joined
• Centralised learning – UK graduates complete an Aon induction, monthly webinars, business skills training and workshops; all designed to help you develop your knowledge of Aon, build your confidence and your network across our business
• Professional qualifications – as part of your role you will be expected to complete our Go Further Apprenticeship programmes. We’ll fully support your study towards the Level 4 Diploma in Insurance from the CII, and beyond. You’ll receive paid study leave and extensive study and tuition materials

Your career beyond your Graduate programme

Once you’ve completed the formal 18‑month graduate rotational programme you will be promoted into a Sales/Growth role within Commercial Risk. We will continue to support technical and business skills training and your CII qualifications. You’ll receive regular performance feedback and work with your line manager towards promotions, enabling you to continue to progress.

Entry Requirements

• You should have or be on track to achieve a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in any subject

Right to Work

Our graduates are on permanent contracts from day one. We welcome applications from candidates who have their right to work within the UK, including pre‑settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme or who are awaiting a decision.

What we’re looking for

• Motivation and ambition to pursue a career in Business Development – to articulate why you want to join this role at Aon and a desire to make a difference
• Passion and curiosity – a desire to understand our clients and advise them on a wide range of Aon services
• Commercial awareness – to provide support and advice to our clients with clarity and confidence to enable revenue growth
• Relationship‑building mindset and strong communication skills – written and verbal, with the ability to adapt your style for different stakeholders and maintain and grow strong long‑term business relationships
• A self‑starter – and self‑generator of opportunities that can take the initiative, work independently when needed but can also work collaboratively in a team environment
• Technological awareness – strong interest in the rapidly evolving technological landscape and a willingness to understand and learn more about the challenges and opportunities it presents
• Resilience and adaptability – demonstration of perseverance, a growth mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving client needs or market conditions
• Analytical thinking – the ability to interpret data, spot trends, and use insights to inform client conversations

Locations

• London, Manchester, Reading or Redhill

Aon UK Graduate Recruitment – What to Expect

We know applying for your first graduate role can be exciting. Here’s how our selection journey works:

• Application review – applications processed on a rolling basis; each application is carefully reviewed by our team
• Online assessment – you’ll have 5 calendar days to complete the assessment (extensions available)
• Video interview – up to 10 days to record and submit; reviewed by a real recruitment team member
• Assessment centre – held in person at the Aon office closest to your application location; after the assessment centre you’ll be notified of outcome

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you need accommodations, just reach out to our team: [e-mail].

EEO Statement

Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. We provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process. If you require accommodations, please contact [e-mail].