What is it? Mars Incorporated is a private, family-owned business which last year generated sales of more than $28 billion (£17.95 billion). Best known for its chocolate business, Mars also manufactures food, pet care and drinks products, with brands such as Uncle Ben’s, Whiskas, Dolmio and Klix and earlier this year acquired the Wrigley chewing gum company. Mars employs more than 65,000 staff (known as associates) and has operations in 79 countries around the world.

Which graduate jobs are on offer? Mars has at least 30 places available next autumn on its three-year management development programme and for specialist graduate programmes in finance, marketing, sales, engineering, research & development and procurement. There are also direct-entry vacancies in information technology.

Where are the jobs? Slough is home to the Mars confectionery plant, food products are made in King’s Lynn and pet food is produced at Mars factories in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and Birstall near Leeds. The company also has sites at Waltham, Basingstoke and Winnersh in the Thames Valley.

What is the pay? Mars is offering generous graduate packages of between £29,000 and £31,000 for new starters in 2009, including salary and first year bonuses.

What is the competition? Consumer goods companies are among the hardest employers to get into and regularly attract more than 100 applications per graduate vacancy, particularly for marketing roles.

How is Mars rated? Mars is currently the fourth most popular consumer goods company listed in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. Its highest ranking in the league table was 9th place in 2000.

How do I apply? Applications made before November 10 will be included in Mars’ autumn recruitment process and successful candidates can expect a job offer by Christmas. For details see www.mars.com/ultimategrads

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