Industrial Operations: Manufacturing Graduate Programme

JLR’s graduate programmes are not eligible for sponsorship and therefore, we will only accept applications for this programme from candidates with the unrestricted right to work in the UK for an indefinite period (if you are on a tier 4 student visa or a graduate route visa you are not eligible to apply to this programme). 

ACHIEVE THE EXCEPTIONAL

JLR’s graduate programme is where your ambition meets automotive innovation. Learn from visionary industry experts, build your network and gain invaluable industry insight. Become integral to our future and build the exceptional career you deserve. Arrive with potential. Grow with freedom. 

Your career starts here. 

INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS: MANUFACTURING GRADUATE PROGRAMME

At JLR, our Industrial Operations function is responsible for creating thousands of vehicles every day. The function unites our manufacturing, procurement and supply chain teams and together, they think beyond the challenges of today to build the cars of tomorrow. 

This industry-leading graduate programme is an opportunity for you to shape the future of manufacturing. You’ll gain real-world experience working on projects critical to our global success. Along the way, you’ll learn how to implement and manage a lean manufacturing operation, explore the digital engineering lifecycle of a vehicle and develop your core competencies in engineering. 

When you start this two-year programme, you’ll be assigned to a primary team, allowing you to develop a deep expertise in your team’s focus area. The team you work in will depend on your personal preferences and business needs, but it could be within Global Manufacturing Engineering (GME) or as part of our manufacturing operations at the Halewood Plant. This gives you the opportunity to grow your network and expand your skills while gaining the experience you need to become a successful manufacturing operations professional. 

Below you can find out more about the teams you could be working in. 

GLOBAL MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING (GME)  

Our GME team are responsible for designing, installing and commissioning the manufacturing facilities that build the modern luxury vehicles of the future. 

If you join this team, you’ll be responsible for ensuring our manufacturing plant teams have the resources they need to produce the right number of vehicles, all meeting the highest standard of quality.

The GME team is split across five main technology areas; bodyshop, paintshop, final assembly, propulsion and logistics, and infrastructure and manufacturing research. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate across these teams, giving you experience in a wide range of technical disciplines across the entire production lifecycle. If you enjoy problem-solving and being at the heart of making things happen, the GME team is where you can utilise your skills to play a key role in transforming the future of our brands. 

HALEWOOD PLANT 

Our Halewood Plant is a vehicle production facility with a long heritage of manufacturing. In fact, we’re extremely proud to have achieved our 60th year of manufacturing in 2023. What’s more, Halewood is home to the award-winning Evoque and the Discovery Sport and is now destined to become our first fully electric vehicle manufacturing facility. 

This is an exciting time for us, with unprecedented levels of investment and the introduction of new technologies. And at the forefront of all our plans, is our people. We empower teams to thrive and grow in a diverse and inclusive environment powered by the unique ‘Halewood spirit’. 

Whether you focus on Paint, Trim and Final, Quality or Materials, Planning and Logistics (MP&L), you’ll get to experience the end-to-end production of our vehicles. We’re developing a new generation of electric cars set to launch in 2025, and if you join this team, you’ll play a key role in helping us deliver our innovative Electrical Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. 

 
Due to the nature of the work within the Plant itself, Hybrid working is limited when you join these teams.

YOUR DEVELOPMENT

Our graduate programme is all about helping you grow and thrive. You’ll get to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry, build connections, and gain valuable insights that will set you up for success.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, both personally and professionally, so you can reach your full potential. As a graduate, you’ll join a bespoke learning programme designed and delivered in partnership with our external training partner, Ashorne Hill. You’ll build essential business skills, including resilience, decision making and problem solving, personal branding, and self-care. Plus, you’ll have dedicated off-the-job learning time and the ongoing support of our Early Careers Delivery team, who will be with you throughout your journey.

During the programme, you’ll sharpen your creative and strategic thinking, develop leadership skills, and contribute to key business projects. By the time you finish, you’ll be ready to make an impact and play a vital role in shaping the future of JLR.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To join the Industrial Operations: Manufacturing Graduate Programme, you’ll need to hold or be on track to achieve at least a degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, material engineering, aeronautical or automotive engineering, or a related field.

We’re looking for people with strong numerical and interpersonal skills, as well as the confidence to champion new initiatives. In addition, it helps to have an interest in manufacturing, a passion for problem-solving and the curiosity to understand business challenges and deliver innovative solutions. 

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

Our 2025 graduate programme salary is £32,000, with a £2,000 joining bonus to welcome you to JLR. After two years, you will progress from the graduate programme on a £39,000 salary. In addition, JLR offer a generous holiday allowance, a discounted car purchase and lease scheme for you and your family, excellent pension provisions and access to a wide range of deals and discounts from well-known retailers and sports clubs.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At JLR, we’re passionate about our people. They are at the heart of our business. We’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture that is representative of the society in which we live; a culture in which every one of our employees can bring their authentic self to work and reach their full potential. 

JLR is committed to delivering equal opportunities for all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with our recruitment team so we can accommodate your needs.

To learn more about diversity and inclusion at JLR, please visit our website. 

 
ARRIVE AS YOU ARE. ACHIEVE THE EXCEPTIONAL.

You will channel your curiosity and creativity every day, sharpening your skills for a successful, transformative career. You own your development, and only you can make it happen. We’ll be there right by your side in your pursuit of exceptional, and we’ll provide all the encouragement and support you need for a long, fulfilling career. Your potential for impact starts here.

Please be aware that we may close our programmes at any point and at short notice based on the volume of applications received. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please apply early.

You can find out more about our graduates and how they play their part on: