At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our procurement team to build vital partnerships and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, healthcare support, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and employee-led networks.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in procurement while contributing to world-leading defence capabilities.
- Qualifications: Current undergraduate in Business, Management or related field.
The predicted salary is between 24460 - 24460 £ per year.
At MBDA, procurement isn't just about buying - it's about building vital partnerships that shape world-leading defence capabilities. Joining our team means working with over 3,000 suppliers across the UK and internationally, where no two projects are the same. Whether you're helping source cutting-edge technology, negotiating with global partners, or ensuring our supply chains run seamlessly, you'll be at the heart of delivering innovation and security that makes a real difference.
Salary: £24,460
Dynamic (hybrid) working: You can expect to be onsite 1-3 days per week.
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 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
- 1 year placement: starting September 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies.
- Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year.
- Company bonus: 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.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs - including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing.
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday.
- Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days.
- Facilities: fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.
The opportunity:
Purchasing opportunities don't come more varied than at MBDA! As prime contractor to the UK MoD and an employer of over 5000 in the UK alone, we source a staggering and varied range of products, goods and services! Our Procurement departments are responsible for the partnership and collaboration with over 3000 UK and international suppliers. These suppliers enable us to provide world leading defence capabilities for our home nations and their allies, so effective management of these relationships is imperative. You will gain comprehensive hands-on exposure across our entire commercial landscape. This includes driving strategies in Category Procurement, Supply Chain Management, managing Project Procurement and leading end-to-end Sub-contracting and Services.
You'll have the opportunity to experience many different aspects of procurement such as:
- Bringing in essential product parts and test equipment to the business.
- Managing commercial and business relationships with both UK and overseas companies, providing subsystems, systems, studies and customer support.
- Risk Management, working on supplier strategies that offer value for money as well as building and nurturing key customer or partner relationships.
- Subcontract management is an important task in this role and you'll get the opportunity to see how to draft and amend terms and conditions as well as negotiate and manage terms for many key relationships.
- Supplier relationship management and managing supplier performance.
- Managing consulting services, infrastructure (i.e. telecoms, construction projects) that allow the whole business to operate.
- Support transformational change programmes to keep our Procurement processes, tools and approaches innovative and effective.
What we're looking for from you:
Current undergraduate studying for a degree in a Business and Management or related discipline.
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.
Procurement - Undergraduate Placement 2027 in Bolton employer: MBDA UK Ltd
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Bristol where employees can thrive. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a strong commitment to employee well-being through flexible working arrangements and enhanced parental leave, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and growth. The company also provides excellent facilities and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement - Undergraduate Placement 2027 in Bolton
✨Get Involved in Procurement Networks
Join procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like LinkedIn or local meetups. These communities are buzzing with opportunities and insights into the industry, and connecting with professionals in the field can lead to valuable insider tips or even referrals for placements.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don't underestimate the power of your university's career services. They often have partnerships with companies looking for placement students in procurement. Check their job boards regularly, attend career fairs, and make sure to ask them about specific opportunities they may have with companies like MBDA UK Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Sector-Specific Platforms
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your procurement skills and any projects you've worked on, even if they're academic. Use keywords relevant to procurement so you can appear in searches by recruiters looking for placement candidates.
✨Network at Industry Events
Keep an eye out for procurement conferences, workshops, or webinars—these are golden opportunities to meet industry leaders. If you can chat with someone from MBDA UK Ltd, do it! Demonstrating interest in their work could lead to a placement opportunity down the line. Plus, you’ll gain insights that could help you stand out in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement - Undergraduate Placement 2027 in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills:In procurement and purchasing, it's all about negotiation! Make sure to highlight any experiences you have in your CV or cover letter where you’ve successfully negotiated deals, whether in a previous job, during your studies, or even in a group project. Demonstrating your ability to secure value for money will definitely catch the eye of our team at MBDA UK Ltd.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:As this is a placement, we want to see your potential and enthusiasm for the procurement world. Include any relevant coursework, projects, or case studies from your studies that relate specifically to purchasing processes or supply chain management. This shows us you’ve got a solid theoretical background to complement your practical application!
Tailor Your Documentation:We expect applications that reflect a real interest in the role. Don’t just send us a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application documents to reflect the specific skills and knowledge needed for the procurement field. Mention specific tools or methodologies you've learned about during your studies or any certificates you’d gained that are relevant.
Convey Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why you're excited about the placement at MBDA UK Ltd. Share any personal experiences that sparked your interest in procurement. Maybe you encountered challenges during a project that required you to think like a buyer? This personal touch can really set your application apart!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Understanding the Procurement Landscape
For a placement in procurement, it’s vital we grasp the current trends and challenges in the supply chain. Make sure to read up on topics like sustainable sourcing or inventory management, as they'll likely come up in discussions, so we can showcase our knowledge about the industry.
✨Know Your Tools
Be familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. If we mention experience or knowledge of these tools in our interview with MBDA UK Ltd, it’ll show we’re ready to hit the ground running and can make an instant impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you approach analysing vendor proposals or evaluating supplier performance. We might be asked to walk through a situation where we had to make data-driven decisions. Having a couple of examples ready to illustrate our analytical mindset will really set us apart.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a placement, potential employers like MBDA UK Ltd will be looking for our motivation and eagerness to learn. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships where we've taken initiative. This shows we’re not just about the skills, but also about growing in the procurement field.
