At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the launch of new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK with hands-on involvement.
- Company: Join Compass Group, the UK's leading food and support services company.
- Benefits: Earn £35,000 plus a company car and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Travel nationwide and enjoy a dynamic work environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career with real responsibility and exposure to major operations.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates or early-career professionals with a passion for hospitality.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Compass Group, the UK’s leading food and support services company, supporting the nationwide rollout of brand‑new Sainsbury’s Cafés. InStore, part of Compass Group, partners with major UK retailers to deliver high‑quality food and café experiences at scale. As part of a defined 6‑month summer mobilisation programme, you’ll play a hands‑on role in launching new café sites across the UK — gaining exposure to live operations, structured project delivery, and senior stakeholders.
As a Mobilisation Support Lead, you’ll work closely with experienced project managers and operational leaders to support the end‑to‑end opening of multiple café sites. Depending on your background, you may bring:
- A developing skillset and strong desire to learn quickly in a mobilisation environment, or
- Prior experience in multi‑site operations, openings, or retail/hospitality management, adding immediate operational value.
No two weeks will look the same — you’ll be travelling nationwide, working on live openings, supporting site teams, and helping ensure each café is set up for long‑term success. The role forms part of Compass Group’s wider growth and mobilisation activity. Following the mobilisation phase, successful candidates may be well‑placed to move into an InStore Retail Management role or other operational opportunities, subject to business needs and location availability.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support the end‑to‑end mobilisation of new Sainsbury’s Café openings across the UK.
- Work as part of a broader mobilisation project team, supporting multiple openings simultaneously.
- Coordinate activity, actions, and timelines to ensure sites are ready to open.
- Support site teams through the opening period and into operational handover.
- Be present on site during key mobilisation and launch phases.
Stakeholder & Team Exposure:
- Work alongside Compass Group teams including Operations, HR, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Health & Safety.
- Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and site teams to resolve issues and maintain momentum.
- Communicate confidently with stakeholders at varying levels across the business.
Quality, Safety & Standards:
- Support the embedding of food safety, health & safety, and brand standards from day one.
- Help identify risks early and escalate issues appropriately.
- Ensure mobilisation activity aligns with One Retail standards.
Learning, Delivery & Improvement:
- Capture learnings from each opening to support future mobilisations.
- Share insights and best practice with operational teams.
- Continue developing your understanding of large‑scale retail and hospitality operations.
Who this role suits:
- May be a graduate, student finishing studies, or early‑career professional, or an experienced manager seeking a time‑bound mobilisation opportunity.
- Is organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams.
- Enjoys fast‑paced, hands‑on environments.
- Communicates clearly and works effectively with different teams.
- Is flexible, adaptable, and happy to travel nationwide.
- Wants exposure to a major employer with clear operational standards and future opportunities.
Key requirements:
- Full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to travel nationwide (including overnight stays).
- Experience or strong interest in hospitality, retail, food, operations, or project‑based work.
- A practical, professional, and accountable approach.
What’s in it for you?
- £35,000 salary plus company car.
- A defined 6‑month mobilisation programme.
- An opportunity that works equally well as a high‑value early‑career experience, or a focused mobilisation assignment for experienced operators.
- Exposure to Compass Group, a FTSE‑listed global organisation.
- Hands‑on involvement in high‑profile Sainsbury’s Café launches.
- Potential progression into InStore Retail Management or wider Compass roles, subject to business needs.
- Experience that delivers clear, long‑term career value.
If you’re looking for a summer role that goes far beyond a typical temporary position offering real responsibility, national exposure, and the backing of a major organisation this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Mobilisation Support Lead in St Helens employer: Compass Group
Compass Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where graduates and early-career professionals can thrive. With a defined 6-month mobilisation programme, employees gain invaluable hands-on experience in launching new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK, while enjoying benefits such as a competitive salary, company car, and clear pathways for career progression within a leading FTSE-listed organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Support Lead in St Helens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at university events. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Mobilisation Support Lead role and ask if they can introduce you to someone at Compass Group.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Group and their new Sainsbury’s Cafés. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll be liaising with various teams, so being clear and confident is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your pitch.
✨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 the team at Compass Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Support Lead in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mobilisation Support Lead role. Highlight any relevant experience in hospitality or project management, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Show Your Enthusiasm:We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the role! Let your passion for food, operations, and teamwork shine through in your application. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Compass Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Mobilisation Support Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as supporting café openings and coordinating activities. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since this role involves nationwide travel and working in fast-paced environments, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or adjusted to changing circumstances. This will demonstrate that you're ready for the dynamic nature of the job.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you can effectively engage with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated with different teams or resolved issues in previous roles. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Mindset
As a graduate or early-career professional, it's important to convey your eagerness to learn. Talk about your desire to gain insights from each café opening and how you plan to apply those learnings in future projects. This will reflect your commitment to personal and professional growth within Compass Group.
