REQ ID:  129980

JOB TITLE: Industrial Operations: Manufacturing Graduate Programme - West Midlands 

POSTING END DATE:  21/01/2026 

START DATE:  07/09/2026 

PROGRAMME DURATION: 2 years 

LOCATION: Ryton 

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 functions and together, they think beyond the challenges of today to build the cars of tomorrow. 

You’ll join the manufacturing team where you’ll have the opportunity to influence the future of manufacturing. 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. Which team you work in will depend on your personal preferences and business needs, but it could be within Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team or as part of our Solihull Operations. This gives you the opportunity to grow your network and 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. 

SPECIAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS (SVO) Team -  (Ryton) 

This graduate role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of world‑class premium and bespoke paint finishes within the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) Paint Shop. Working in a low-volume, high quality manufacturing environment, you will help industrialise advanced paint technologies ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and craftsmanship for Range Rover SV vehicles. You’ll join the SVO technical team and gain valuable experience across manufacturing engineering and maintenance disciplines. The role provides hands‑on exposure to process engineering and optimisation, equipment reliability, automation and paint application technologies, and continuous quality improvement. Working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering specialists, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how specialist manufacturing environments deliver exceptional results. 

In your role as a graduate, you’ll collaborate with a diverse mix of teams across engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle personalisation. You’ll gain exposure to specialist production environments, work alongside experienced manufacturing and design engineers, and engage with global engineering functions that bring our most distinctive vehicles to life. You’ll also have opportunities to work with external partners giving you great insights into how exceptional vehicles are delivered. 

As part of SVO’s continued expansion and investment in luxury paint operations, the role offers strong career progression opportunities. Successful graduates will be well positioned to move into manufacturing engineering, maintenance, automation, or other technical leadership roles, supporting future facility upgrades, new technology introduction, and continuous improvement across SVO operations, while playing a key part in shaping the future of bespoke vehicle manufacturing. 

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 2.2 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 2026 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: 

Facebook – @lifeatJLR 

Instagram – @lifeatjlr 

LinkedIn- JLR 

YouTube - @JLRYouTube