Defence Commercial Graduate Programme – Growth & Impact

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funded CIPS or RICS

Protected study time

Pension scheme

9-day fortnight

Welcome payment

Interest-free loan

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment is offering a two-year Evolve Graduate Programme in Commercial, starting September 2027, with a starting salary of £31,000 and onsite work at Green Park, Reading, Berkshire. The programme funds either a CIPS or RICS qualification with protected study time, and includes benefits such as a market-leading pension scheme and generous leave.

You will gain exposure to procurement, contract management and commercial strategy across a high-security national programme, with

Qualifications

• 2.2 degree required (or to be gained prior to joining).
• Commercial, financial or business-related background may be advantageous but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to commercial strategies that support organisational objectives and deliver long-term value.
• Support procurement activity and the negotiation, award and management of complex contracts.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Support value-for-money decisions while balancing cost, risk, performance and delivery requirements.
• Use commercial insight, analysis and market intelligence to inform business decisions.
• Apply commercial policy, governance and assurance frameworks to support compliant and robust decisions.
• Use digital tools and emerging technology, including AI-enabled solutions, to improve commercial outcomes.
• Communicate clearly, influence constructively and work confidently across complex stakeholder environments.

Education

2.2 degree required

Job description

Atomic Weapons Establishment is offering a two-year Evolve Graduate Programme in Commercial, starting September 2027, with a starting salary of £31,000 and onsite work at Green Park, Reading, Berkshire. The programme funds either a CIPS or RICS qualification with protected study time, and includes benefits such as a market-leading pension scheme and generous leave.

You will gain exposure to procurement, contract management and commercial strategy across a high-security national programme, with