Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Embark on a two-year journey to develop operational leadership skills in hospitality.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, an award-winning team in the catering industry.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ32,000, enjoy perks, and access over 50 training courses.
- Other info: Dynamic placements across various functions with opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and real responsibility while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a passion for food and hospitality; no experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 38400 ÂŁ per year.
Launch Your Operational Leadership Journey with Restaurant Associates!
Are you ready to turn ambition into action? At Restaurant Associates, we don’t just deliver exceptional food and hospitality, we develop future operational leaders. If you graduated within the last two years and are ready to begin your career in October 2026, our bespoke two-year Operational Graduate Programme is your opportunity to gain real responsibility, hands-on experience, and long-term progression.
This is more than a leadership course. It’s an operational journey designed to give you a deep understanding of how our business runs - from frontline service to culinary execution and event delivery.
The Programme
- Over two years, you’ll complete four structured placements, each designed to broaden your skills and expose you to different areas of the business.
- Experience across a variety of functions; including events, culinary, and core operations.
- Predominantly Monday - Friday working pattern.
- One placement will include weekend work, giving you valuable experience in the Venues aspect of our business.
- We are looking for 5 graduates to be London-based and 1 graduate to take on a national remit.
- Structured development, mentorship, and increasing responsibility throughout.
We’re seeking graduates who:
- Completed their degree within the last two years.
- Available in June/July to attend assessment centres in London.
- Are available to start the programme in October 2026.
- Are proactive, resilient, and people-focused.
- Have a genuine passion to learn about food and hospitality; no prior catering experience required.
You must have the right to work in the UK (Our graduates are on permanent contracts from day one, we welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work within the UK where you can maintain and demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment).
What your future could look like:
- Launch your career with opportunities to progress into roles such as Account Manager (running your own site), Hospitality Manager, Operations Manager, or General Manager.
- Be recognised and celebrated; including at our annual employee awards night.
- Become part of an award-winning team - Contract Catering Award Winners 2025 (Business & Industry Award).
- Enjoy “Perks at Work” - giving you access to cashback and discounts at your favourite brands.
- Learn from leading hospitality professionals and chefs, with access to over 50 training courses to help you grow and advance your career.
If you are curious, ambitious, and ready to build your career from the ground up in a dynamic hospitality business, we would love to hear from you!
Operations Graduate Programme - Restaurant Associates 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 - Restaurant Associates in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Restaurant Associates on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the Operations Graduate Programme. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your assessment centre by practising common interview questions and situational tasks. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. The more prepared you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for food and hospitality during interviews. Share any relevant experiences, even if they're not directly related to catering. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the industry and eager to learn.
✨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 our team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate Programme - Restaurant Associates in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food and hospitality shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the industry and ready to learn!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Graduate Programme. Highlight any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to catering. We love seeing how your unique background can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Restaurant Associates' values and operations. Familiarise yourself with their approach to food and hospitality, as well as their recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experiences to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to catering. Whether it’s a project at university or a part-time job, highlight how these experiences have shaped your people-focused mindset.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the Operations Graduate Programme and the company culture. This demonstrates your proactive nature and eagerness to learn. For instance, ask about the mentorship opportunities or how the programme adapts to different placements.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The interviewers want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Share your unique perspective on challenges and how you’ve overcome them. Remember, they’re looking for resilience and a genuine passion for the industry.