Business Development Graduate

Arriva Business Development Graduate role supporting strategic growth through commercial opportunities, major tenders, M&A, investment analysis and long-term business planning.

Every day, millions of people rely on transport to access the people, places and opportunities that matter most.

At Arriva, we're shaping the future of passenger transport and investing in the people who will help lead it. 

We are one of Europe's leading passenger transport partners, helping people get to work, education, healthcare, family and the moments that matter. Operating across 11 countries, with around 35,000 colleagues and more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year, we're a business with the scale to make a difference and the ambition to keep moving forward. 

Through our Graduate Programme, we're looking for talented graduates who are curious, motivated to learn and ready to grow their careers with us. 

If you're ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. 

The Graduate Opportunity 

As a Business Development Graduate, you'll gain exposure to the activities that help shape Arriva's future growth and strategic direction.  

Throughout the programme, you'll support strategic planning and insight activities, the delivery of commercial opportunities such as large-scale tender projects and transformational mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as well as a range of other business development initiatives. You'll develop an understanding of how organisations identify growth opportunities, evaluate investments and make strategic decisions in complex commercial environments.  

Working with colleagues across different functions and markets, you'll analyse information, develop recommendations and contribute to projects that support Arriva's long-term growth ambitions.  

What We’re Looking For: 

We're not expecting you to have all the answers. We're looking for graduates with curiosity, drive and the confidence to keep learning. People who take ownership, build positive relationships and want to make a meaningful contribution from day one. 

What matters most is your potential. We're looking for people who are eager to learn, motivated to grow and ready to develop their Arriva Graduate EDGE. 

About You: 

We're open to applications from graduates of all degree disciplines. However, this role may be particularly attractive to individuals with a background in Transport Studies, Economics, Finance, Accountancy, Engineering, Data Analytics or other analytical disciplines who are keen to apply their knowledge in a transport focused, commercial and strategic environment.  

We're particularly interested in people who:  

• Are curious about how organisations grow, compete and evolve  

• Enjoy researching and analysing qualitative and quantitative information to support strategic, commercial and operational projects. This could include identifying tender and M&A opportunities, assessing market trends and drawing insights from data to support Arriva's organic and inorganic growth ambitions  

• Have strong Microsoft Excel skills, with an interest in further developing your capabilities in financial analysis, modelling and valuation  

• Can prepare high-quality presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint and produce professional documents and reports in Microsoft Word  

• Like solving complex problems and thinking strategically  

• Can build strong relationships and communicate ideas effectively with a range of stakeholders  

• Have an interest in commercial decision-making, business performance and long-term value creation  

• Are motivated by the challenge of identifying opportunities that drive growth and improve business outcomes  

• Have a continuous improvement mindset and enjoy finding smarter, more efficient ways of working  

• Are confident bringing fresh perspectives and ideas, with a willingness to challenge existing approaches and contribute to the ongoing development of the team  

• Are interested in working in an international environment and collaborating with colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds  

• Are comfortable using AI tools to enhance productivity, generate insights, improve problem-solving and identify new ways of working  

The Graduate Programme 

Alongside your role, you'll be part of our two-year graduate development programme, benefiting from structured learning, mentoring, exposure to senior leaders and a connected graduate network across Arriva.  

The breadth of experience gained throughout the programme will help you explore different career pathways and build a strong foundation for your future career.  

Through a blend of practical experience and targeted development opportunities, you'll strengthen your commercial awareness, strategic thinking, financial acumen and stakeholder management skills. You'll also gain insight into how Arriva identifies growth opportunities, develops partnerships and supports long-term business success across an international organisation.  

There may also be opportunities to work towards a professional qualification in finance, corporate finance or a related discipline, helping you develop the commercial, analytical and financial skills that support strategic business decision-making.  

Eligibility Requirements 

To be considered for this opportunity, you'll need: 

• To be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a degree (2:1 preferred, with strong 2:2 applications considered) 

• The right to work in the UK permanently  

• Availability to join the programme in September 2027  

• Willingness to travel where required in the UK and continental Europe as part of the programme