Human Resources- Graduate Programme 2027

If you are looking to learn, develop, and establish a career in HR, MBDA offers a structured path to success. Join our award-winning Early Careers Programme and build your expertise alongside our experienced HR professionals

Salary: £31,900 plus a £3000 joining bonus.

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: Typically 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Locations: Bolton / Stevenage (with possibility of a placement or a few weeks at Bolton or Stevenage as appropriate)

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. 

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 2nd November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• 2 year Programme: Starting September 2027

• Annual Salary Review

• 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.

• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity:

Our international HR team consists of experienced professionals dedicated to driving MBDA’s success. We ensure that our people, the heart of our business, feel valued, motivated, and aligned toward a common goal. As a Graduate HR Professional, you will support the UK business in developing proactive solutions that drive organizational growth & improvement through employee engagement and the evolution of our key people strategies and programmes.

This is a rotational programme designed to provide a holistic view of the HR function. You will complete four distinct placements arranged by your dedicated Technical Co-Ordinator, providing exposure to a wide array of HR disciplines, including:

HR Business Partnering: Partnering with our technical and commercial functions to deliver business objectives.

Reward & Benefits: Managing remuneration strategies and employee perks.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Driving an inclusive culture for all.

Employee Relations: Supporting case management and policy application.

Early Careers Development: Shaping the next generation of talent.

Learning, Culture & Resourcing: supporting our employees’ professional development.

No two placements are the same on this programme! Your projects may include:

• Analysing and reporting on the Gender Pay Gap.

• Managing large-scale projects, such as Early Careers Inductions.

• Authoring high-profile award submissions.

• Collaborating with managers to create individual development and progression plans.

• Supporting the Employee Relations team with case management.

• Updating and evolving MBDA’s core HR policies and processes.

What you will gain:

This programme is designed to accelerate your professional growth, providing you with:

A vast professional network: Build relationships with local management teams and the wider UK and international HR function.

Business acumen: Develop a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the defence industry and how HR adds tangible value.

Generalist expertise: Gain hands-on experience across the full HR lifecycle.

What we’re looking for from you:

Degree qualified in a Human Resources or related subject, to a minimum of 2.2.

Human Resources experience an advantage but not essential

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.