Defence Commercial Graduate Programme 2026

The Defence Commercial Graduate Programme (DCGP) aims to recruit individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds. A diverse group of graduates with varied skills and experiences, which enables the Ministry of Defence (MOD) perform at its best. 

If you’re considering a career in Procurement and Contract Management, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a challenging opportunity like no other. The portfolio of MOD’s business is unique. We buy and support an extensive range of equipment, services, and infrastructure to support the Armed Forces; from food ration packs, army boots, and military accommodation facilities, to aircraft carriers and helicopters, and everything in between.  Commercial Officers are responsible for the sourcing, purchasing and management of goods, works and/or services on behalf of the MOD.

The DCGP Programme is up to two years, focused on developing the next generation of Commercial Officers.  Our Programme will provide you with the experiences, education, mentorship, and professional qualifications you need for a long-lasting career in Procurement.

All degrees and backgrounds are welcome; the only educational requirement is that you have achieved or are predicted to achieve 2:2 (or higher classification) in your undergraduate degree.

What is Commercial?

MOD is made up of smaller, enabling organisations called Delivery Organisations (DO) and Front-Line Commands (FLC) who can focus on developing specialised skills for a variety of procurements, from construction to Submarines and Army Boots to Medical Supplies.

 It is anticipated that the Scheme will commence in late September/early October 2026.

To learn more about the Programme please take a look at the DCGP Brochure.

Job description

The DCGP is a structured development Programme lasting up to two years and aims to develop graduates into high calibre professional commercial officers with the ability to manage the MOD’s innovative and demanding commercial business activities and potentially be future leaders in the Function. It is owned by the MOD Director General Commercial and is centrally governed by the DCGP Management Team.

Upon joining, you will complete induction training and embark on your Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and MOD Specific training. You will receive on-going support throughout the Programme from your Sponsor Line Manager, the DCGP Management Team, experienced Mentors, and past and present Programme members.

At the end of the Programme, provided you have achieved the standards expected, you will be offered the opportunity to move into a middle management professional role within your Sponsor Business Area’s commercial function at your designated Permanent Duty Station.

If you are successful and join the DCGP, the location detailed in your offer will be your Permanent Duty Station. 

Where business needs allow, some placements may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement depending on the requirements of the placement/project team. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements and the DCGP Programme cannot specifically advise in advance of you joining the organisation. As this is a Graduate scheme we actively encourage face-to-face collaboration to network with your peers and project teams to aid development and gain further experience.

*All employees are encouraged to take reasonable measures to live within a reasonable travelling distance of their main place of work, although the decision is for the employee to make. Employees are responsible for meeting the cost of their home to work travel and the DCGP does not offer relocation expenses or financial support to travel to your Permanent Duty Station. 

Permanent Duty Station locations will be allocated, where possible, based on your personal preferences. However, please note that the number of positions at each location is strictly limited and some locations may only be able to accommodate one or two Graduates.  Whilst every effort will be made to meet your personal preferences this is not always possible, and you may be offered a role at a different location.  Should this be the case you should consider carefully whether the location offered suits your needs and personal circumstances.

Person specification

We are seeking individuals who:

• Enjoy solving complex problems and can deliver clear and effective solutions
• Have high standards of written and verbal communication
• Are keen on embracing change
• Are willing to share information, knowledge and skills
• Have a strong focus on meeting customer requirements in our support to the Armed Forces
• Can understand the bigger picture whilst dealing with the essential detail
• Are keen to seek out new opportunities for learning, self-development and career development
• Are prepared to commit to up to two years on a fast paced and intensive development programme

If applying on a part-time basis, please be aware that there are substantial study and training commitments whilst on the programme.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a 2:2 degree (or higher classification) or be predicted to achieve a 2:2 or higher degree, by 31st July 2026.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions