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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Run complex operations and lead teams to make a real difference.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in integrated services across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy diverse rotations, mentorship, and clear progression into management roles.
- Why this job: Fast-track your leadership career with hands-on experience from day one.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a curious mindset and a passion for problem-solving.
- Other info: Expect a dynamic environment with endless opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Run large complex operations. Lead teams to make a real difference. Build your future in purpose led sectors. We're not your average service provider. We're a fully integrated service brand operating in some of the UK's most complex and high-impact environments – from hospitals and defence sites to retail, aerospace and government, supporting global brands. We bring together food services, retail, technology and essential support functions under one smart, connected model to create safer spaces, smarter services and market-leading experiences for people and communities.
What we do improves safety, efficiency and everyday experiences for staff, communities and customers.
The Programme: Fast-track your leadership career
Our two-year Operations Graduate Programme is built for people who want responsibility early, variety fast, and progression that actually means something. You'll rotate every 6 months, gaining hands-on experience across sectors like:
- Healthcare
- Aerospace
- Retail & Brands
- Digital Implementation
You won't just observe – you'll run services, lead teams, manage projects and solve real problems from day one.
What you'll actually do
This is a proper, hands-on role. You'll:
- Run day-to-day operations on live sites
- Plan and deliver hospitality, retail and support service projects
- Manage stock, budgets and financial performance
- Own health & safety and quality standards
- Work directly with clients and customers
- Lead and motivate teams
You’ll work across the North region of the UK, with experiences across high-profile, high-impact environments, including:
- Retail – North of UK: As a Regional Mobilisation Manager across the retail sector, you’ll support multiple locations, mobilising new units and conversions through planning, operationalising and setting up of all new contracts.
- Aerospace – Derby: Step into a Transformation & Client Engagement Manager role responsible for facilitating and driving change initiatives.
- Healthcare – Cambridge: The role of Project Manager at this large teaching hospital will provide hands-on experience of delivering safe, compliant, high-performance services.
- Support Services – Birmingham: Work with our Support Services team as Digital Implementation Manager, helping shape our tech-enabled services.
Expect a mix of site-based work, hybrid working and travel across the region so you must have a clean UK driving license and access to your own vehicle.
Learn from the ground up – by doing (from day one)
We believe the best leaders understand how things really work. You’ll be supported by:
- A structured learning programme (online + development workshops)
- A dedicated mentor
- A Graduate Programme Manager
- A network of fellow grads going through the journey with you
Where this takes you
This programme is designed to set you up as a future Operations Manager and launch you into a long-term leadership career. By the end of the 2-year programme, you’ll be ready to:
- Lead single or multi-site operations
- Manage complex, multi-service contracts
- Work confidently with senior leaders and clients
- Make smart commercial decisions
- Build high-performing teams
What we're looking for
You don’t need a specific degree – just the right mindset. We’re looking for potential, not a perfect CV. You are:
- A recent graduate (within the last 2 years), any degree discipline
- Curious, driven, adaptable, and ready to lead
- Interested in operations, people and problem-solving
- Confident, comfortable with change, challenge and relocation
- Organised, proactive and solutions-focused
You must also have:
- The right to work in the UK & Ireland
- The ability to gain DBS and enhanced security clearance
- A clean UK driving license and access to your own vehicle
Ready to get started?
If you want a career where no two days are the same, where you’ll learn fast, lead early and make a real impact, this is your moment. Click APPLY, upload your CV and answer a few quick questions. We’ll guide you through the next steps.
Join Compass Group UK & Ireland – and start building the future of food, facilities and services.
Operations Graduate Programme - North & Midlands (Compass One) in London employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Graduate Programme - North & Midlands (Compass One) in London
✨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 alumni from your university. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they impact the communities they serve. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Whether it's through group projects, volunteering, or part-time jobs, demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Share these experiences during interviews to showcase your readiness for the Operations Graduate Programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Compass Group and ready to take on the challenges of the Operations Graduate Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate Programme - North & Midlands (Compass One) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for operations and leadership.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Graduate Programme. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that align with running complex operations and leading teams.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we’ll guide you through the next steps from there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding Compass One's operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their integrated service model and the sectors they operate in, like healthcare and aerospace. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
Since this role is all about leading teams and managing projects, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've taken charge or solved problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to lead effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your curiosity about the role and the company. Ask about the challenges they face in operations or how they measure success in their graduate programme. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills
Given the dynamic nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you've adapted to change or tackled unexpected challenges in the past. Share specific instances where your proactive approach led to positive outcomes, showcasing your readiness for the fast-paced environment at Compass One.
