Mars R&D Leadership Experience 2026 - Graduate Programme Your future as a leader starts today.

Mars; Batley; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global R&D programme seeks motivated graduates for its Leadership Programme. This role involves managing projects across three placements, mostly within R&D. You will work with talented associates and receive an attractive starting salary of £33,000 plus a £2,000 joining bonus. Ideal candidates are STEM graduates with leadership potential and strong digital skills. The role requires mobility within the UK.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Competitive pension and healthcare

Flexible working hours

Access to mentoring and coaching

Training from Mars University

Qualifications

• Graduating next summer or graduated within the last 2 years.
• Mobility within the UK is required for placement relocations.

Responsibilities

• Be a future leader in R&D with demonstrated potential.
• Manage projects and develop skills through diverse placements.
• Participate in three 12-month placements, mainly in R&D.

Skills

Leadership potential

Project management

Technical mindset

Digital skills

Education

Degree in any STEM subject

Job description

Our R&D Graduate Leadership Programme: The Mars R&D Leadership Experience is the perfect grounding for a career in R&D. You'll manage projects, take on roles with local and international exposure, and make decisions with real consequences. The work will come thick and fast, preparing you for the challenges of tomorrow. The R&D Programme comprises three 12-month placements. You'll spend at least 2 of those years in our R&D function, exploring and contributing to what goes on in a function that plays a critical role in the making and developing of our most loved products. There will also be a potential opportunity to spend your 2nd placement in either Procurement or Supply, giving you a unique opportunity to experience a breadth of roles in another side of our business.

Responsibilities

• You'll be passionate about being a future leader in R&D and be able to demonstrate leadership potential.
• Opportunities to manage your own projects, allowing you to develop every day.
• 3 x 12-month placements, with 2-3 placements in R&D and the potential opportunity for 1 year in either Procurement or Supply.

Qualifications

• A degree in any STEM subject. Graduating next summer or graduated within the last 2 years.
• Technically and digitally minded.
• Mobile within the UK. Your home site could either be Slough or Birstall (Leeds) but you may need to relocate for 1 of your placement years.

What to expect

• Starting salary of £33,000 and joining bonus of £2,000.
• Wide range of competitive benefits, including competitive pension and healthcare scheme, annual bonus and flexible working hours.
• We\'ll give you access to inspiring mentors and coaches to help you grow.
• Join our global graduate community, create friends for life and join a global business.
• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we\'re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.