Future Operations Leader - Degree Apprenticeship Scotland (48-month fixed term contract) in Portlethen

Future Operations Leader - Degree Apprenticeship Scotland (48-month fixed term contract)

Job ID: 10598667 | Amazon UK Services Ltd.

Are you ready to step into a leadership role in one of the world’s most fast‑paced, customer‑obsessed operations?

This is your opportunity to earn a fully funded degree from while leading in the heart of Amazon’s operations – from day one.

Amazon is looking for ambitious, driven individuals to join our Future Operations Leader Degree Apprenticeship.

You’ll earn a fully funded BA (Hons) in Business Management while working on the ground in one of our fulfilment centres or operational sites, solving real business challenges alongside experienced leaders.

This is a hands‑on role, not a desk job – our sites are vast (some the size of several football pitches), and you’ll be out across the floor where the action happens, covering real distance as you lead teams, drive change, and make a tangible impact.

At its core, this is a people role.

Yes, you’ll work with data, processes, and technology – but the heart of operations leadership is people.

You’ll learn how to motivate a team at 3am, how to have difficult conversations with empathy, how to recognise when someone’s struggling, and how to create an environment where people want to do their best work.

If you’re energised by working with others and want to build your career around leading teams, this programme will give you the foundation to do exactly that.

This role involves shift work, including days, nights, and weekends, because our operations run around the clock and great leaders need to understand every part of that rhythm.

You’ll rotate through different shift patterns, which means early starts, late finishes, and yes, night shifts.

It’s a demanding, fast‑paced environment with a lot to juggle – you’ll need to prioritise quickly, stay composed under pressure, and keep the most important things moving.

It’s a real step up, and we’re looking for people who expect that challenge and are ready to run with it.

It’s a physical, on-your-feet role – you’ll be out on the floor, not behind a desk.

It’s not for everyone, but if you thrive where no two days feel the same and you want to understand operations from the ground up, it’s one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

A day in the life can involve

• Starting with a team stand‑up or shift handover, reviewing priorities, performance metrics, and issues from the previous shift
• Shadowing or supporting a team leader or manager on the floor, getting stuck into real‑time problem solving – clearing a bottleneck, supporting a team member, or managing workflow across the site
• Working on a project linked to your degree – building a business case for a process improvement, mapping stakeholders for a site change, or analysing quality and risk data to present back to leadership
• On university weeks, attending masterclasses or webinars and completing coursework, then bringing what you’ve learned straight back onto the floor

As you progress, you’ll build relationships across the site, develop your own leadership style, and take on increasing responsibility.

This could be for you if you’re the person who captained a sports team, coached younger students, led a group project, completed your Duke of Edinburgh, volunteered in your community, organised something no one asked you to, or put your hand up to be a prefect.

Or maybe you’ve spent a few years in the workplace and found yourself naturally stepping up – training new starters, leading a team, improving a process, or taking ownership of something bigger than your job description.

Leadership isn’t about a job title; it’s about what you do when no one’s told you to.

If that sounds like you, this programme is your next step.

Over 48 months, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to lead in a complex operational environment, including:

• Business strategy and how organisations operate
• Project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and delivery within time, cost, and quality constraints
• Leading and managing diverse teams, building trust, and driving performance
• Financial controls, business case development, and performance reporting
• Stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing at all levels
• Organisational change management – preparing teams and operations for change
• Risk identification, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
• Commercial awareness, procurement, and contract management
• Digital innovation, data‑driven technologies, and AI in a business context

What you’ll achieve

• BA (Hons) Business Management
• CMI‑aligned course content, giving you a route to apply for CMI Chartered Manager accreditation on completion

This is a blended learning programme combining pre‑reading and preparation, in‑person masterclasses, online learning and webinars, and individual study and assignment writing.

You’ll be supported throughout by a dedicated Academic Mentor, with progress reviews involving your Line Manager, plus full access to university resources including library services, wellbeing support, and student societies.

Basic Qualifications

• To qualify for this programme, you must

• Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2027)
• Have the right to live and work in Scotland at the point of enrolment (June 2027).

If you are on a visa, this must enable you to legally work and reside in Scotland for the entire duration of the programme from enrolment.

• Have lived in the UK or in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years prior to the start date
• Not be registered to study on a UK government funded course ending August 2027 or later
• Be prepared to travel for external/mandatory training as part of the apprenticeship

• Have one of the following

• Have UCAS Tariff 114, or Scottish Highers AABBB (or equivalent)
• A Foundation Apprenticeship (counts as one Higher at grade B)
• A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in a relevant discipline (counts as two Highers at grade B)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - relevant work experience considered in place of formal qualifications; can also place you into a later year of the degree
• Please note, if you have received educational qualifications outside of the UK then we will require a Statement of Comparability to confirm your eligibility for the scheme.

Please ensure you obtain one during the application process, through UK ENIC: https://www. enic. org. uk/

• Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and offers are subject to funding approval
• PLEASE NOTE: This position is a 48 month fixed‑term contract. You must NOT already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship.
• This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has some or little knowledge/experience of the occupation
• Preferred Qualifications
• An interest in operations, logistics, or supply chain environments
• A genuine enthusiasm for leading, motivating, and working with people
• Natural leadership instincts – the kind of person who steps up without being asked
• Resilient and able to prioritise under pressure – staying composed when the pace is demanding and there’s a lot to juggle
• Great communication skills and naturally able to influence others
• A problem‑solving mindset and a willingness to learn
• Comfortable with change and able to stay calm in a fast‑paced environment
• Happy working in fast‑paced warehouse environment, including shift work (days, nights, and weekends)

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer.

We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.

We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build.

Protecting your privacy and the security of your data is a longstanding top priority for Amazon.

Please consult our Privacy Notice ( https://www. amazon. jobs/en/privacy_page ) to know more about how we collect, use and transfer the personal data of our candidates.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers.

If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon. jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.

If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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