STS Defence
Graduate Key Account Manager

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Graduate Key Account Manager
We are looking for a commercially driven and relationship-focused Graduate Key Account Manager to lead and grow strategic customer partnerships within the defence sector. This is a pivotal role, responsible for strengthening long-term client relationships, identifying opportunities for sustainable revenue growth, and ensuring customer requirements are translated into high-quality engineered and manufactured solutions.
The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with a solid background in engineering or technical manufacturing, alongside a proven track record of managing key accounts in highly regulated industries. With the ability to build trust, understand complex customer needs, and work collaboratively across technical and operational teams, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer value and supporting business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key defence clients, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted partner
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and project management teams to ensure delivery of solutions that meet technical, contractual, and quality requirements
- Support the identification and development of account growth opportunities, including new programmes, product applications, and service offerings
- Lead commercial activities across assigned accounts, including contract management, variations, and pricing considerations, with sound commercial judgement
- Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, balancing client needs with organisational priorities
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, security, and quality standards within a highly regulated defence environment
- Monitor customer requirements, industry trends, and competitor activity to inform account strategy and delivery
- Conduct project closure analysis and reporting, evaluating financial and delivery performance, capturing lessons learned, and applying insights to continuous improvement and future account activities
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Qualifications


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- Demonstrable experience in customer service or account support, ideally within electronic or electro-mechanical manufacturing environments
- Prior experience within the defence, military, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing sectors is highly desirable
- Strong attention to detail, with a consistent ability to uphold high standards of delivery, quality, and accuracy
Competencies
- Demonstrates good written and verbal communication skills
- The candidate must be proficient in MS Office applications
Additional Information
SECURITY – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes.
UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Apply by emailing your CV to hr@sts-defence.com
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