At a Glance
- Tasks: Support marketing and sales initiatives while learning about product launches and market analysis.
- Company: Join Kia UK, a leading automotive brand known for innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days leave, hybrid working, free lunches, and private medical care.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with opportunities to shape sustainable mobility.
- Qualifications: Recent or upcoming graduates in Marketing, Business, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Welcome to Kia UK!
Kia UK is a leading automotive brand offering one of the industry’s largest range of models across multiple vehicle segments, contributing to it being the fourth most popular UK car brand in 2025. With more than 190 Kia dealerships across the country, Kia is now widely known for its advanced electrified products offering the technology of tomorrow, today. Kia UK has consistently grown for over 30 years, supported by bold design, quality products and ever-evolving customer service. By 2027, the brand aims to offer no less than nine fully electric vehicles in the UK, a positive step towards becoming a leading global sustainable mobility solutions provider. People are central to Kia UK and every day is an opportunity to learn something new and to grow personally and professionally.
This role forms part of Kia UK’s Commercial Graduate Programme and is designed to provide broad development across Marketing and Sales. In year one, the graduate will support the Product team in a junior capacity, learning how product, pricing, market insight and launch activity support commercial performance. In year two, the graduate will move into two rotational placements within Sales, developing capability in reporting, analysis, administration, process efficiency and field sales support.
Responsibilities include:
- Support the preparation and maintenance of product-related information, reports, presentations and internal materials.
- Assist with competitor reviews, market research and commercial analysis.
- Support PBV activity by assisting with planning, coordination, reporting and communication to help deliver key business and retailer initiatives.
- Get involved in Kia’s growing EV activity, supporting exciting projects and initiatives that help shape the future of sustainable mobility.
- Help maintain accurate data and support reporting activity across Marketing and Sales.
- Provide coordination and administrative support to projects, meetings and commercial activity.
- Support events, roadshows and dealership shadowing activity where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing, Sales and other internal teams.
- Contribute to AI-enabled reporting, insight generation and efficiency improvements in line with company policy and approved systems.
- Develop knowledge of Kia products, market positioning, retailer operations and the customer journey.
The Marketing team is run with a high-performance culture, operating with genuine collaboration, clear communication, setting high standards and leading by example. We invest heavily in our employees, and you will be fully supported throughout your internship with us. You will gain a huge amount of experience, knowledge and technical skill to set you up for a successful career, and we pride ourselves on retaining great talent.
About You
- Recently completed or due to complete in 2027, a degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in Marketing, product launch, reporting.
- Experience working collaboratively in a team environment is an advantage.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Creative mindset with attention to detail.
- Good organisational and data-handling skills.
- Confident user of MS Office.
- AI literate, with the ability to use technology confidently and responsibly to support work outcomes.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
The Benefits
- 24 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
- Hybrid working (2 days a week remote working).
- Employee car scheme.
- Onsite chef (free lunch every day).
- Private medical care & annual health check.
- Private dental care.
- Income protection, critical illness protection & life assurance.
- Pension with significant employer contribution.
- Social events (Christmas Ball, Staff Summer Event and other socials) and weekly sports clubs.
- Opportunity to get involved with our charity partners.
The Location
The Kia UK Head Office is based in Walton-on-Thames, just a 5 minute walk from the station. We also have plenty of on-site parking for drivers, including EV charging ports. There is step-free access throughout the building, but please let us know if you require any additional accessibility support and we will cater to your needs as best we can.
Interview Process
- Step 1: CV review.
- Step 2: Video Interview.
- Step 3: Assessment Centre at our Head Office in Walton-On-Thames.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We understand that every candidate is unique, and we welcome the opportunity to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all individuals can fully participate in our interview process. If you require any adjustments or support to facilitate your interview, please do not hesitate to reach out to (ggregory@kia.co.uk). We are happy to discuss your needs and make arrangements that support your participation to best showcase your skills and qualifications. At Kia, we are committed to employing the best-qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and thereby not discriminating against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or disability.
Commercial Graduate (2 Year Placement) in Walton-on-Thames employer: Kia UK
Kia UK Bolton is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where teamwork and innovation thrive. With a focus on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure our technicians stay at the forefront of automotive technology. Our commitment to a supportive culture and competitive benefits makes us a rewarding place to build your career in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Graduate (2 Year Placement) in Walton-on-Thames
✨Get Social with Marketing Communities
Join marketing-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with professionals in the field. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions—this is a great way to get noticed and find placement opportunities in marketing-communications.
✨Attend Marketing Events and Workshops
Make it a point to attend local marketing events, workshops, or meetups. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but you'll also be able to network with industry insiders. Plus, these events often lead to placement opportunities you won’t find online!
✨Craft Your Own Personal Brand
Start building your personal brand online by creating content related to marketing-communications. Write articles, share case studies, or post about your projects on social media. This will not only showcase your skills to potential employers but also demonstrate your passion for the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot a placement at Kia UK, don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experience in marketing-communications, and don’t forget to mention any networking contacts you might have!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Graduate (2 Year Placement) in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creativity:In marketing communications, coming up with fresh and original ideas is key! Make sure your application shows off your creative flair—whether that's through a unique CV design or showcasing a standout project from your studies or placements that demonstrates your innovative approach.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Marketing:When writing your cover letter for the Commercial Graduate (2 Year Placement) role at Kia UK, focus on your passion for storytelling and engaging audiences. Grab their attention by discussing specific marketing campaigns you've executed or contributed to, and highlight any metrics that reflect your success or learning in those projects.
Demonstrate Your Communication Skills:In this field, clear and compelling communication is everything! Include samples of your writing, such as blog posts, press releases, or strategic plans. These will show your potential employer that you can craft messages that resonate with target audiences, which is vital for a marketing communications role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t had a proper job yet, don’t sweat it! Include any relevant internships, volunteer roles, or university projects that relate to marketing communications. These experiences show that you understand the industry and are ready to learn even more during your placement at Kia UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kia UK
✨Know Your Marketing Basics
Brush up on key marketing concepts like the 4 Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and digital marketing trends. Expect questions that gauge your understanding of strategic communication and how it applies to real-world scenarios—this will show Kia UK you're ready to jump in.
✨Showcase Your Creative Flair
Make sure to bring a portfolio or samples of your previous work, even if they're from university projects. If you've done any social media campaigns or content creation, be ready to discuss your thought process and the tools you used—like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. This will help us visualise how you'd contribute to the team at Kia UK.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might face some role-play questions where you’ll need to think on your feet. For example, how would you handle a crisis in communication or engage a difficult audience? Practising these types of scenarios beforehand can give you a huge edge over other candidates.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As we're looking at a placement, showcasing your willingness to learn and adapt is crucial. Be open about your career goals and how this placement at Kia UK fits into them. They'll appreciate your ambition and desire to grow in the marketing field.
