Mars
Mars R&D Leadership Experience 2027 - Graduate Programme

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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
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.
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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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
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.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


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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
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