At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams and support staff to deliver high-quality care while managing services.
- Company: Choice Care, a values-led organisation focused on social impact.
- Benefits: £32k salary, enhanced holiday, coaching, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent role with a structured 3-year development programme.
- Why this job: Fast-track your leadership career while making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Motivated graduates with strong communication skills and a passion for care.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 € per year.
Location: Southampton / Windsor / Swindon / Newark
Contract: Permanent
Duration: 3‑year structured development programme
Salary: £32k (with structured uplifts throughout programme – £33,000 after 6 months and £35,000 upon completion of L5 qualification)
Are you seeking a graduate programme in a sector that delivers real social value? Do you want to develop your leadership skills while improving lives and strengthening communities? Are you ready to fast‑track into a management career where every decision truly matters? We’re Choice Care – and we’re here to support you to build a leadership career that matters.
Our Graduate Management Programme is designed to develop values‑led individuals and graduate them into the next generation of leaders across our services. This is a hands‑on, immersive programme where you’ll learn by doing, take on real responsibility, and build the skills to lead services that make a genuine difference to people’s lives.
The graduate programme:
- Working directly in services from the start
- Supporting teams and learning how to lead in real environments
- Building relationships with the people we support
- Taking on increasing responsibility as you grow
We’ll support you, stretch you, and invest in you – but you’ll be expected to step up and take ownership of your development.
We’re looking for people who:
- Want to build a career in leadership, not just a job
- Are motivated by making a difference in people’s lives
- Are resilient, adaptable, and willing to step outside their comfort zone
- Can build strong relationships and communicate effectively
- Are aligned with our values and approach to care
- Are willing to work across different services and locations
What’s in it for you?
- A structured 3‑year accelerated leadership programme
- A permanent role from day one
- A Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care
- Experience across a range of services including Learning Disability, Mental Health, and Supported Living
- Exposure to specialist areas such as Quality, Referrals and Positive Behaviour Support
- Insight into how the wider organisation works, including HR, Estates and central support teams
- Ongoing coaching, feedback and development
- A clear pathway towards Service Manager roles
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead teams and support staff to deliver high‑quality care
- Manage the day‑to‑day running of services
- Make decisions in complex and fast‑paced environments
- Understand and maintain high standards of quality and safety
- Respond to challenges and drive improvements
Over time, you’ll take on more responsibility and begin to operate with increasing independence.
Where this will take you?
By the end of the programme, you’ll have the experience, confidence, and qualification to apply for Service Manager roles within Choice. From there, your progression is in your hands, just like the many leaders across our organisation who started in frontline roles.
Why Choice?
We are a values‑led organisation focused on delivering high‑quality, person‑centred support. We invest in our people, we grow our own leaders, and we create opportunities for progression. This programme is about building the future of our organisation and giving you the opportunity to be part of it.
Enhanced holiday entitlement (31 days)
Employee Assistance Programme
Paid day off on your birthday
Blue Light Card eligibility
Christmas bonus – vouchers for all staff members
Annual staff awards
Financial wellbeing app – Stream
Refer a friend scheme
Choiceversary
What’s next?
Apply online today. Our recruitment process includes a video interview, psychometric testing and a final stage interview/assessment. Opportunities to start with us from August/September 2026. Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory DBS clearance and suitable references.
Graduate Management Programme in Southampton employer: Choice Care Group
Choice Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its employees through a structured Graduate Management Programme, offering a permanent role from day one and a clear pathway to leadership positions. With a focus on values-led care, our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and resilience, while providing unique benefits such as enhanced holiday entitlement, a Christmas bonus, and opportunities for meaningful impact in the community. Join us in Southampton, Windsor, Swindon, or Newark, where your career in leadership can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Management Programme in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get ready for that video interview! Practise your responses to common questions and think about how your experiences align with the values of Choice Care. We want to see your passion for making a difference, so let it shine through!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees on LinkedIn and ask them about their experiences. This can give you insider tips and show your genuine interest in the programme. Plus, who knows? They might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the psychometric testing! Brush up on your problem-solving skills and practice some online tests. It’s all about showing how you think under pressure, so don’t stress – just be yourself and trust your instincts.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Choice Care and ready to take that first step towards an amazing leadership career.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Management Programme in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Graduate Management Programme. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant experiences that align with our values at Choice Care. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Show Your Passion:In your written application, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share why you're motivated to join us and how you plan to contribute to improving lives and strengthening communities. We love seeing genuine passion for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make it easy for us to see your potential!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Choice Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Choice Care Group
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Choice Care. Understand their values, mission, and the services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
Since this is a Graduate Management Programme, be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences, even if they are from university projects or part-time jobs. Think of examples where you've taken initiative or led a team, and be ready to explain how those experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a management career.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Practice articulating how you would manage challenges in a care setting, focusing on your decision-making process and the importance of quality and safety.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the training and development opportunities within the programme, or how success is measured for trainees. This shows you're serious about your growth and interested in the long-term prospects at Choice Care.
