GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Programme (Operations)

GKN; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace company in Bristol is seeking graduates for its Operations Graduate Programme. This two-year program provides hands-on experience across various business functions, including operations and supply chain management, and is designed to develop future leaders in aerospace. Graduates with a 2.1 degree are encouraged to apply, as this is an inclusive opportunity with a starting salary of £31,000 and a £1,500 joining bonus, alongside various benefits.

Benefits

£1,500 joining bonus

Career progression support

Opportunities for international exposure

Community projects involvement

Qualifications

• Curious motivated graduates keen on aerospace.
• 2.1 degree achieved within the last two years.
• An interest in operations and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience and grow your career.
• Complete functional placements across key areas of the business.
• Contribute to community projects and STEM outreach.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Creativity

Project Management Methodology

Leadership Experience

Open to learning

Education

2.1 degree in any discipline

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel : going further faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.35 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What Youll Be Doing

Start your career shaping the future of aerospace in a place where youll feel supported inspired and encouraged to grow.

At GKN Aerospace were a global community bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to design and build the next generation of aerospace technologies. As a graduate youll join an inclusive and international team gain hands-on experience and grow your career in an environment where your ideas are valued your voice is heard and your contributions make a real difference.

Our two-year Operations Graduate Programme at Filton is designed to give you variety guidance and the confidence to build a strong foundation for your future career. Youll complete functional placements across key areas of the business developing expertise while strengthening your collaboration problem-solving and leadership skills all essential to becoming one of our future leaders.

Throughout your placements youll gain exposure to leadership development operations management supply chain management customer and demand management quality control and governance and people management among many other areas. This breadth of experience will equip you with the knowledge skills and confidence to thrive in a complex and fast-paced aerospace environment.

Whether you see your future as an Operations Manager or an executive helping to shape our business youll have access to wide-ranging opportunities that match your interests and ambitions. With guidance from mentors and colleagues youll take on real projects tackle meaningful challenges and contribute to positive change in the way we operate.

From day one youll take part in a structured onboarding and development journey supported by a mentor buddy and our Global Graduate Community giving you encouragement guidance and opportunities to build your network.

Beyond your core role youll also have the chance to contribute to community projects STEM outreach and our early careers strategy because at GKN Aerospace we believe in making a positive difference together.

What Youll Bring

Were looking for curious motivated graduates who want to make an impact in aerospace.

To join our programme youll need :

• Enthusiasm creativity and passion with the drive to grow into a future leader and technical expert.
• A 2.1 degree achieved within the last two years in any discipline (STEM subjects are preferred but not essential)
• An interest in how operations and manufacturing environments work and a willingness to learn.
• A genuine interest in aerospace and excitement about the role it plays in shaping the future of our world

What Well Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles : Safe Respect & Care Open & Honest Innovative and Ownership. Safety always comes first but so does your growth wellbeing and future.

Heres what you can look forward to when you join us :

• A 24-month programme with a guaranteed permanent role when you finish.
• Varied and rewarding placements across different projects programmes and locations.
• The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
• A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager mentor and buddy throughout your programme.
• A starting salary of 31000 plus a 1500 joining bonus and a generous benefits package.
• High visibility across the business from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
• A welcoming global graduate community a network of peers friends and future leaders.

Well support your career progression by providing you with the learning development and flexibility to thrive. And because were a global business your career could take you further than you imagined.

What to Expect in the Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive :

1. Apply online by completing our application form including a few pre-screening questions.
2. Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria. Once you've been sent the link you will have 2 weeks to complete the assessment.
3. Meet one of our friendly team members (yes a real human!) for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage. To be held during December.
4. Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held on 10th 11th or 12th of February. This is where you will get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
5. Begin your journey with us in September 2026 as part of our Graduate Programme.

Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website : FAQs - GKN Careers

Closing date : Sunday 9th November (we recommend submitting your application without delay).

Well offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry who knows how far you can go

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

Were also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams plus humanendeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Required Experience :

Exec

Key Skills

Project Management Methodology,Project / Program Management,Program Management,Management Experience,Microsoft Powerpoint,Project Management,Microsoft Project,Budgeting,DoD Experience,Leadership Experience,Supervising Experience,Contracts

Employment Type : Student

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1