Project Management & Control – Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is offering a Graduate Programme in Project Management & Control, starting in September 2026. The role involves managing project metrics, collaborating with teams, and working in a hybrid environment. Candidates should have a degree in Business Management (minimum 2:2) and a keen interest in the technical aspects of projects. Attractive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus additional options

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Business Management discipline.
• Interest in defence and technical projects.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage project metrics and improvements.
• Update project plans and prepare costs.
• Collaborate with different teams for project delivery.

Skills

Project planning

Risk assessment

Agile methodologies

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Business Management (minimum 2:2)

Job description

Project Management & Control – Graduate Programme 2026

With continued growth we have opportunities for enthusiastic and motivated graduates to join our team, where you will have the opportunity to grow your skills and develop your career within a collaborative and encouraging environment.

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 days onsite due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025

What we can offer you

• 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…

The opportunity

Throughout the life cycle of our products, it takes a range of people and skills to design, manufacture and deliver what we do for our end customer. Project Management, Project Control and our Agile teams work simultaneously with each other to deliver programmes of work and projects to customers on time, within budget and to agreed specifications. Working with partners throughout our organisation in a fast paced exciting and changing environment, you will be at the very centre of the project - Collating updates and information from all areas of the business, at all levels, to plan what to do next on a given project.

Our Project Managers work with metrics to identify and implement improvements in existing metrics as well as look at ways to improve the existing process for project planning. This involves updating project plans, preparing costs for work with engineers to be presented to senior management and updating Risk Registers. Our Project Control teams look at projects from assessment phases to those in manufacturing and development; you’ll get a full insight to all the different stages of the missile lifecycle. Our Agile teams adopt an iterative approach to delivering our projects; working in sprints and utilising Agile Software technology. Whichever project path you take, our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. We trust each other to thrive; support one another to learn, and when you join us, you’ll bring a different perspective to how we see the future.

Our Project Control, Management and Agile roles are best suited to those with a Business or Economics background with an interest in our products and the technical aspect of the projects we work on

What we're looking for from you

Degree qualified in Business Management discipline to a minimum of 2:2

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given.

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.

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