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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Run complex operations, lead teams, and solve real problems from day one.
- Company: Join a dynamic service brand transforming high-impact environments across the UK.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and clear progression into management roles.
- Why this job: Fast-track your leadership career with diverse rotations and real responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a curious mindset and a passion for operations.
- Other info: Expect a mix of site-based work, hybrid working, and travel across the South.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ 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 — and we're just getting started.
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
- Defence
- Government
- Digital marketing
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 South region of the UK, with experiences across high‐profile, high‐impact environments, including:
- Government Services - London: Take the lead as an Operations Support Manager in essential public services at this iconic government building. You'll manage day-to-day operations, work closely with clients, oversee teams, and ensure services run smoothly in complex, regulated environments.
- Defence Site - Swindon: Step into a management role on a live defence site. You'll learn what it takes to deliver safe, compliant, high‐performance services where precision, trust and resilience matter most.
- Healthcare - Regional Management (South): Go beyond a single site. As a Regional Manager across this healthcare sub‐sector, you'll support multiple locations, collaborate with clinical and operational leaders, help shape services that directly impact patient and staff wellbeing.
- Support Services - Digital Marketing (Global HQ, Chertsey): See the business from a different angle. You'll work with our Propositions team, helping shape how we take services to market — using insight, data and digital marketing to influence strategy, innovation and growth through the promotion of our brands and services using online channels.
Expect a mix of site‐based work, hybrid working and travel across the region so you must have a clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
Learn from the ground up by doing (from day one)
We don't believe in watching from the sidelines. We believe the best leaders understand how things really work. That's why you'll:
- Lead frontline teams and projects
- Learn directly from experienced managers
- Deliver projects that make a visible impact
- Solve real operational challenges
- Work alongside senior leaders
- Understand how decisions on paper affect people on the ground
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
You'll understand how to balance people, performance, safety, commercial outcomes and client relationships — the skills that define great leaders. And yes — career progression is real, with endless opportunities across our business.
What's in it for you?
- Diverse rotations across healthcare, retail, aerospace, digital and more
- Real leadership experience (not just shadowing)
- Mentorship & structured development
- Hands‐on experience in complex environments
- Ownership from day one
- Clear progression into operations management roles
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 (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)
- The ability to gain DBS and enhanced security clearance
- A clean UK driving licence 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 - South (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 - South (Compass One) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the job. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills, the more confident you'll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Compass Group UK & Ireland. Let’s get you started on that Operations Graduate Programme!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate Programme - South (Compass One) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're 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. We love seeing how you can make a difference!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We’re looking for candidates who are proactive and solutions-focused, so don’t hold back on those stories!
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, we’ll guide you through the next steps once you hit that 'apply' button.
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 how they impact various sectors like healthcare and defence. 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 effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to lead in complex environments.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills
In a fast-paced environment like Compass One, adaptability is key. Be ready to discuss times when you've had to adjust quickly to changes or tackle unexpected challenges. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and how it can benefit their operations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the specific challenges the company faces in operations or how they measure success in their graduate programme. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
