At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the launch of new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK with hands-on involvement.
- Company: Join Compass Group, the UK's leading food and support services company.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, company car, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a fast-paced role with potential progression into management within a major organisation.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with real responsibility and nationwide exposure.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates, students, or early-career professionals with a passion for hospitality and operations.
Location: Midlands-based
Travel: Nationwide travel, including regular overnight stays
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract
Benefits: Company car provided
This is an exciting opportunity for a Midlands-based candidate to join Compass Group, the UK’s leading food and support services company, supporting the nationwide rollout of brand-new Sainsbury’s Cafés. InStore, part of Compass Group, partners with major UK retailers to deliver high-quality food and café experiences at scale.
As part of a defined six-month summer mobilisation programme, you’ll play a hands-on role in launching new café sites across the UK—gaining exposure to live operations, structured project delivery and senior stakeholders. This role is well suited to graduates and early-career professionals seeking a full-time summer opportunity that delivers genuinely valuable experience. It would also appeal to established managers or operators looking for a defined, high-impact mobilisation role within a major organisation.
About the role
As a Mobilisation Support Lead, you’ll work closely with experienced project managers and operational leaders to support the end-to-end opening of multiple café sites nationwide. Depending on your background, you may bring:
- A developing skillset and a strong desire to learn quickly in a mobilisation environment; or
- Previous experience in multi-site operations, site openings, retail or hospitality management, allowing you to add immediate operational value.
No two weeks will look the same. You’ll travel nationwide, work on live openings, support site teams and help ensure each café is set up for long-term success. The role forms part of Compass Group’s wider growth and mobilisation activity. Following the mobilisation phase, successful candidates may be well placed to move into an InStore Retail Management role or another operational opportunity, subject to business needs and location availability.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the end-to-end mobilisation of new Sainsbury’s Café openings across the UK
- Working as part of a wider mobilisation project team and supporting multiple openings simultaneously
- Coordinating activities, actions and timelines to ensure sites are ready to open
- Supporting site teams throughout the opening period and into operational handover
- Being present on site during key mobilisation and launch phases
Stakeholder and team engagement
- Working alongside Compass Group teams including Operations, HR, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain and Health and Safety
- Liaising with suppliers, contractors and site teams to resolve issues and maintain momentum
- Communicating confidently with stakeholders at different levels across the business
Quality, safety and standards
- Supporting the implementation of food safety, health and safety, and brand standards from day one
- Identifying risks early and escalating issues appropriately
- Ensuring mobilisation activity aligns with One Retail standards
Learning, delivery and improvement
- Capturing lessons from each opening to support future mobilisations
- Sharing insights and best practice with operational teams
- Developing your understanding of large-scale retail and hospitality operations
Who this role suits
- Is based in the Midlands
- May be a graduate, student completing their studies or early-career professional
- May be an experienced manager seeking a time-bound mobilisation opportunity
- Is organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple workstreams
- Enjoys fast-paced, hands-on environments
- Communicates clearly and works effectively with different teams
- Is flexible, adaptable and happy to travel nationwide
- Wants exposure to a major employer with clear operational standards and future opportunities
Key requirements
- Must be based in the Midlands
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel nationwide, including regular overnight stays
- Experience or a strong interest in hospitality, retail, food, operations or project-based work
- A practical, professional and accountable approach
What’s in it for you?
- £35,000 salary plus company car
- A defined six-month mobilisation programme
- A high-value early-career experience or a focused mobilisation assignment for experienced operators
- Exposure to Compass Group, a FTSE-listed global organisation
- Hands-on involvement in high-profile Sainsbury’s Café launches
- Potential progression into InStore Retail Management or wider Compass roles, subject to business needs
- Experience that delivers clear, long-term career value
If you’re looking for a summer role that goes far beyond a typical temporary position—offering real responsibility, nationwide exposure and the backing of a major organisation—this is an opportunity worth exploring.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
- Supermarket discounts, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cash rewards to spend across a wide range of brands
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year.
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Mobilisation Support Lead NEW One Retail Posted today £35,000 per year Midlands Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Join Constellation at Molineux Stadium, where we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment for our Kitchen Porters. With flexible matchday roles, you'll have the chance to be part of thrilling events while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development within the Levy UK family. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every employee feels valued and integral to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Support Lead NEW One Retail Posted today £35,000 per year Midlands Operations
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Support Lead NEW One Retail Posted today £35,000 per year Midlands Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Chartwells Independent. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
