Mars R&D Leadership Experience 2027 - Graduate Programme

Mars; Birstall; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Joining bonus

Pension

Healthcare scheme

Annual bonus

Flexible working hours

Mentors and coaches

Job summary

Mars is offering a structured R&D Graduate Leadership Programme in the UK. You will undertake three 12‑month placements, with most time in R&D and a possible second year in Procurement or Supply, gaining broad exposure to the business and leadership who make world‑leading products.

You will manage real projects, develop leadership skills, and prepare for a future role in R&D after graduation, with support from mentors and Mars University.

Qualifications

• Degree in any STEM subject; graduating next summer or graduated within the last 2 years.
• Technically and digitally minded with problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to relocate within the UK for placements.

Responsibilities

• Complete 3 x 12-month placements, with 2–3 in R&D and potential 1 year in Procurement or Supply.
• Manage your own projects and develop daily across assignments.
• After the programme, transition into a permanent R&D role.

Skills

Leadership potential

Technically minded

Digital mindset

Education

STEM degree

Graduating soon / recent grad

Job description

Job Description:

Your future as a leader starts today.

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 of 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.

What will you do?

• 3 x 12-month placements, with 2-3 placements in R&D and the potential opportunity for 1 year in either Procurement or Supply.
• Opportunities to manage your own projects, allowing you to develop every day.
• After the 3 years you will sign off into a role in our R&D function.

Who are we looking for?

• You’ll be passionate about being a future leader in R&D and be able to demonstrate leadership potential.
• A degree in any STEM subject. Graduating next summer or graduated within the last 2 years.
• Technically and digitally minded.
• Mobile within the UK. We will place you into your home site of either Slough or Birstall (Leeds), and you will be expected to sign off the scheme in this location - but you may need to relocate for 1 of your placement years.

What are the benefits?

• 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.

What can you expect from Mars?

• 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.

For more information, please visit careers.mars.com/UK/en/students-graduates