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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Run complex operations, lead teams, and manage projects from day one.
- Company: Join a leading service brand transforming high-impact environments.
- Benefits: Real leadership experience, mentorship, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while fast-tracking your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a curious mindset and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Diverse rotations across sectors and hands-on experience in dynamic environments.
What you'll be doing:
- 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.
Think:
- Frictionless, tech-driven retail
- High-quality food and facilities in hospitals
- Defence-grade operations
- Sustainability, innovation and social value at the core
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:
- 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, and 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 license and access to your own vehicle.
Learn from the ground up by doing (from day one). We don't believe in watching from the side-lines. 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 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 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 in Cambridge employer: Compass Uk & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Uk & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Graduate in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in the Operations Graduate Programme.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by understanding the company’s values and operations. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of creating safer spaces and smarter services.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership potential during assessments. Think about examples from your past where you’ve led teams or solved problems effectively, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate in Cambridge
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 role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with what we’re looking for, like problem-solving and team leadership.
Show Your Enthusiasm: In your cover letter, express why you’re excited about this programme and how it fits into your career goals. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Uk & Ireland
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Compass Group thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and the sectors they work in. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Since this role involves running complex operations, be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or solved problems, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
The Operations Graduate Programme is all about fast-tracking your leadership career. Highlight any experiences where you've taken charge, motivated a team, or made impactful decisions. This will demonstrate that you're ready to take on responsibility from day one.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company culture, the types of projects you'll be involved in, or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about your future with the company.
