At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch of exciting new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in retail and food partnerships.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, company car, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with travel across the UK and potential for management positions.
- Why this job: Be part of something big and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in mobilisations or multi-site operations preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Mobilisation Support Lead – InStore (Compass Group) Brand New Sainsbury’s Café Openings | UK Wide
Location: Woking, GU23
Company Car Provided
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Contract: 6‑Month Fixed Term Contract (with further opportunities within InStore)
Be at the forefront of launching brand‑new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK. InStore, part of Compass Group, is behind some of the UK’s most recognisable retail and food partnerships. We’re now rolling out exciting, brand‑new Sainsbury’s Café sites nationwide — and we’re looking for a Mobilisation Support Lead to help bring them to life. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role where no two weeks look the same. You’ll be travelling across the UK, supporting multiple new café openings, working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with operational teams and project managers to ensure every site launches smoothly, safely, and successfully. The role forms part of a wider mobilisation and growth programme, with the expectation that — following the mobilisation phase — successful candidates will be well‑placed to move into an InStore Retail Management position within a Sainsbury’s Café, subject to business requirements and location. If you thrive in mobilisations, enjoy building something from the ground up, and want to transition into an operational retail management role — this is the role for you.
What you’ll be doing
- Mobilisation & Delivery
- Support the end‑to‑end mobilisation of new Sainsbury’s Café openings, ensuring sites open on time, on budget, and to One Retail standards
- Work as a core member of the mobilisation project team across multiple sites
- Own mobilisation plans, coordinating actions and timelines with local operational teams
- Act as the key link between Operations, Project Managers, and support functions throughout mobilisation
- Support the successful handover of cafes into InStore Retail Management following opening
- Stakeholder Management
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams including Operations, Sales, HR, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, and H&S
- Liaise with external partners such as suppliers, facilities teams, contractors, and design teams
- Confidently influence, challenge, and problem‑solve to keep mobilisations moving forward
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure food safety, health & safety, and brand standards are embedded from day one
- Identify risks early and work with stakeholders to implement practical solutions
- Ensure full compliance throughout the mobilisation phase
- Continuous Improvement
- Capture lessons learned from each mobilisation to improve future openings
- Share insights with operational teams to support ongoing performance
- Look for opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and commercial results
What we’re looking for
- You’ll be someone who:
- Has a “can‑do” attitude and thrives in a fast‑moving environment
- Is highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable juggling multiple site openings
- Brings strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Is commercially aware, with confidence around budgets and delivery deadlines
- Enjoys problem‑solving and staying calm under pressure
- Is mobile, flexible, and happy to travel across the UK (including overnight stays)
Key requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel nationwide as part of a UK mobilisation role
- Experience in mobilisations, openings, or multi‑site operations (Hospitality, retail, or food experience preferred)
What’s in it for you?
- £35,000 salary
- Company car
- Opportunity to work on high‑profile, brand‑new Sainsbury’s Café launches
- A 6‑month FTC aligned to a national mobilisation programme
- Exposure to Compass Group’s wider InStore business
- Opportunity to progress into an InStore Retail Management role following mobilisation, subject to business needs
- A chance to make a visible, lasting impact from day one
Mobilisation Lead, Café Openings (UK-Wide) - Company Car in Woking employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in launching brand-new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK. With a competitive salary of £35,000, a company car, and opportunities for career progression into InStore Retail Management, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member has the chance to make a meaningful impact from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Lead, Café Openings (UK-Wide) - Company Car in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Compass Group. You never know who might help you land that Mobilisation Lead role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, highlight your experience in mobilisations and multi-site operations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a new café opening on the horizon, don’t wait for the job to be posted. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. A little initiative can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! The role is all about problem-solving and staying calm under pressure. Think of potential challenges you might face during mobilisations and come up with solutions. This will impress interviewers and show you're ready for the fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Lead, Café Openings (UK-Wide) - Company Car in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Mobilisation Lead role. Highlight any previous experience in mobilisations or multi-site operations, as this will show us you’re the right fit for the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about launching new Sainsbury’s Cafés and how your 'can-do' attitude will help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've built strong relationships with various teams in the past. We want to see that you can confidently influence and problem-solve to keep mobilisations moving forward.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to be part of something brand new.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Mobilisation Support Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like managing multiple café openings and liaising with various stakeholders. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since this role involves a lot of problem-solving under pressure, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges. Highlight how you kept things moving forward during tough situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is crucial for this position. Bring along a plan or a timeline that outlines how you would approach the mobilisation of a new café. This shows that you can think strategically and manage multiple tasks effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building strong relationships with your interviewers. Use your communication skills to engage them in conversation, and don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the company culture and team dynamics. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their team.
