Major Equipment Procurement - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK is seeking a candidate to manage supplier sub-contracts in Major Equipment Procurement. Key responsibilities include project management, supplier relationship management, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. The ideal candidate will hold a degree, be a British Citizen, and be prepared for basic security checks. This position offers a starting salary of £31,500 with a joining bonus and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

2-year Programme starting September 2026

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus extras

Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days

Career progression opportunities

Subsidised meals on-site

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in any discipline to a minimum of 2:2.
• Must be a British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship.
• Undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).

Responsibilities

• Manage critical supplier sub-contracts and obligations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative business relationships with suppliers.
• Project manage supplier programs for on-time, on-cost delivery.

Skills

Project management

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Education

Degree in any discipline (minimum 2:2)

Job description

Overview

Upon joining our team, you will conduct placements within MEP. You'll undertake a role supporting the preparation, negotiation, implementation and performance of sub-contracts across the entire life cycle of missiles and missile systems. You’ll ensure that contracts are effectively managed to time, cost and quality resulting in the delivery of high value and sophisticated sub‑systems. Providing commercial guidance to internal customers while managing risk and opportunity to safeguard the interests of MBDA will be another skill that you’ll develop. Are you passionate about executing and managing critical and complex supplier subcontracts? In Major Equipment Procurement (MEP) we work collaboratively with our suppliers around the world, enabling MBDA to provide world‑leading defence capabilities for our home Nations and their Allies.

Responsibilities

• Pro‑actively manage critical supplier sub‑contracts and obligations
• Develop and maintain long‑term, open, collaborative and commercially robust business relationships with suppliers
• Project manage supplier programmes to ensure the on‑time, on‑cost, on‑quality delivery of bespoke high‑value/complexity sub‑systems and services
• Subcontract management (including drafting, amending, negotiating and managing terms and conditions) in accordance with applicable legislation and company processes – you will have the opportunity to learn this "on the job"
• Build and nurture supplier and key stakeholder relationships
• Lead in the internal Multi‑Functional Team responsible for the delivery of a sub‑contract (consisting of Technical, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Project Management)
• Hold the Supplier to account for their performance and resolve any issues/conflicts (hardware, services and documentation)
• Provide commercial guidance to internal stakeholders
• Generate and implement supplier strategies that deliver value for money
• Manage risk and opportunity
• Safeguard the interests of MBDA

Qualifications

Degree qualified in any discipline to a minimum of 2:2. You must be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. As a minimum and after the offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Salary and Working Arrangements

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus. Dynamic (Hybrid) Working – 1‑3 days per week on‑site due to workload classification.

Benefits

• 2‑year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more

Company

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.