Unspecified
Graduate Development Programme (GDP) – Join Raytheon UK
Role: Commercial & Supply Chain Graduate
Location(s): Harlow or Glenrothes
Travel: Occasional travel to UK facilities and overseas as required for the role and Early Careers events
Starting Salary: £34,000, plus company benefits
Type: Permanent – 2-year Graduate Development Programme (GDP), with biannual pay reviews
Start Date: Monday 7 September 2026
Hours: Full-Time
About the Role:
Commercial and Supply Chain owns the contractual relationship with our customers and suppliers and helps to develop both customer and supplier engagement strategies and management plans, leading negotiations, and influencing innovative solutions. Every day is different from the next, be it dealing with internal governance and financial performance, or meeting customer and supplier queries, bids and demands across the globe. Commercial and Supply Chain are the interface between the business, customer and suppliers, without such arrangement, no contractual commitments or changes could be implemented.
The programme is designed to provide a wide understanding of Commercial and Supply Chain practices. Assigned to a business area on a rotational basis, you will support contracts and orders with business clients and suppliers, where you will be assigned activities to help you grow your commercial acumen and key business competencies.
In addition to your main role, during the Graduate Development Programme you will complete a range of in-house and outward bounds modules designed to support your career development and progression.
To be considered for this role you will demonstrate a high level of energy in pursuing work objectives and a total commitment to achieving successful outcomes, as evidenced by your academic results. You will have long-term ambitions, first class communication, planning and organisational skills and a critical thinking mindset. The ability to work collaboratively within multi-functional teams is essential.
Main Duties:
Operating in an integrated fast paced team, the Commercial and Supply Chain function play a leading role in Contract Management activity in respect of establishing and maintaining routine and bespoke contracts and subcontracts of high value and complexity. Commercial and Supply Chain staff identify and manage risks, interface internally and externally across key functions and contribute to business area strategies. On a day-to-day basis a Commercial and Supply Chain Graduate may be expected to:
1. Contribute to contract management strategies and relationship management at business area and programme level
2. Help develop innovative Contracting solutions in support of proposals
3. Negotiate and manage contracts and subcontracts
4. Identify and manage risks and opportunities
5. Administer due diligence and performance
6. Support the financial performance and compliance of contracts
7. Facilitate the delivery of invoicing for goods and services
8. Facilitate the procurement and acceptance of goods and services
9. Influence customer and supplier meetings and internal management reviews
10. Develop briefing materials for senior management reviews
11. Participate in business optimisation with cross-functional improvement activities
12. Draft and review Agreements (Non-Disclosure/Teaming/Licensing)
Candidate Requirements:
Essential:
13. Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Business, Law, History, English or Operational Logistics (already achieved or to be completed by 1 September 2025)
14. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking
15. Flexibility on location and ability to travel to our UK facilities and overseas
16. Excellent STEM skills demonstrated through academic achievement
17. A passion for succeeding in a fast-paced, technology industry
18. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships
19. A full CV, including your university and pre-university grades (GCSE/National 5/Highers/Advanced Highers/A Levels/College Course, etc.), and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this role at Raytheon UK
About the Graduate Development Programme (GDP):
At Raytheon UK, we’re excited to work with and support talented individuals during their careers through our Graduate Development Programme (GDP). This structured 2-year programme blends on-the-job experience with comprehensive training, ensuring that graduates are supported in their transition from university to a thriving professional career.
Our GDP is not just about skills development — it’s about building connections, leadership capabilities, and career growth. Throughout the programme, you’ll have access to the following:
20. Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and career development support
21. Business Skills: Gain hands-on experience in project management, supply chain, strategy, and more, working on real-world business challenges
22. Join our award-winning STEM team at UK wide events from Airshows to careers talks.
23. Community Impact: Join the 'Million Makers' challenge to support the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) in fundraising for social impact projects and also grow your business acumen, team working and networking skills.
24. Microsoft Training: Improving skills in Excel and PowerPoint
25. Opportunities to complete professional qualifications relevant to the role and career development (CIPs, IACCM and other such accreditations)
26. Pay Reviews: Biannual pay reviews in your first two years to ensure your career growth is matched with competitive compensation
27. Grow your network through attending a range of exciting Early Careers & STEM events
What Our Graduates Say:
"Each day as a Commercial Management Graduate offers variety, from the very first day you are given real responsibility to add value to the business, contributing as part of a diversely skilled team to a range of exciting innovation led projects."
"Most mornings begin catching up with colleagues and responding to emails before the day begins. From managing the customer interface, analysing complex contractual terms, advising internal stakeholders on commercial matters to negotiating business positions with strategic partners and interpreting customer requirements with our engineers; each day offers a different challenge, with each opportunity driving my development."
"I have enjoyed the opportunity to work in a company at the peak of innovation within the industry. Graduates are given a real opportunity to initiate ideas, drive change and make a difference. During my first 12 months, I had the opportunity to initiate my own process improvement project which has left a lasting impression on the business. This would not have been possible without the support and mentoring of highly experienced and knowledgeable colleagues who helped make my transition from University into the workplace seamless, and inspire me for my future career."
Application Process:
To apply, visit our careers website: via the Workday application link and submit a full CV along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you have applied to Raytheon UK. In your cover letter, we’re looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, our company values, and why you would be a great fit for the team. It is mandatory to include a cover letter for this role, so please ensure you submit one. If you fail to submit a cover letter, unfortunately, we will not be able to progress your application. To find out more about Raytheon UK visit our website:
What to include in your cover letter:
28. Why you want to join Raytheon UK and pursue this specific role
29. How your skills and experiences align with the position
30. Any personal or professional interests, experiences, or achievements that make you stand out
Next Steps for Applicants:
We look forward to keeping you updated on your application through updates on Workday and email. Candidates selected for the next stage will be required to complete the initial screening stage to assess suitability for the role. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to one of our assessment centres where you will complete a range of individual and group tasks on the day, it’s a great opportunity to meet the team, our current graduates and business leaders to showcase your skills and potential for an exciting career with Raytheon UK.
About Raytheon UK:
Raytheon UK is a leading technology and innovation company, working across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, cyber, space, and training. With facilities across the UK in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester, Manchester, and Livingston, we employ 2,000 people and support an additional 8,000 jobs across the country.
Standard Benefits:
31. 25 days holiday, plus statutory public holidays
32. Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
33. Life Assurance (up to 6x salary)
34. Flexible Benefits package
35. Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave)
36. 37-hour working week, with early finish on Fridays (hours may vary depending on role and site)
37. Flexible working options available, where possible
38. On-site canteen and free snacks & drinks at select locations
Equal Opportunities
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Support and Adjustments
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 3 (Leader) employer, committed to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for everyone.
As part of this commitment, we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role. Please let us know on your application if you would like to apply under this scheme.