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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 diverse rotations across sectors.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career in operations with hands-on experience and real impact.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate with a curious mindset and a passion for problem-solving.
- Other info: Endless opportunities for career progression and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Operations Graduate Programme - South (Compass One)
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.
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.
- Defence Site Swindon: Step into a management role on a live defence site.
- Healthcare Regional Management (South): As a Regional Manager across this healthcare sub-sector, you'll support multiple locations.
- Support Services Digital Marketing (Global HQ, Chertsey): Work with our Propositions team, helping shape how we take services to market.
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'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
- 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.
Operations Graduate in Salisbury 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 Salisbury
✨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 a lead on that perfect Operations Graduate role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operations management. Think about how you would handle real-life challenges in the role. This will help you stand out as someone who’s ready to take charge from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership potential! Even if you haven’t held a formal leadership position, highlight any group projects or team activities where you took the initiative. We want to see that you’re ready to lead teams and make a difference.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining us at Compass Group UK & Ireland. Let’s get you started on that Operations Graduate journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Graduate in Salisbury
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 Curiosity: We love candidates who are curious and eager to learn. In your application, mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges or sought out new knowledge in your past experiences.
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 can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Uk & Ireland
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the company’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, be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you took charge or solved problems. Highlight your adaptability and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges, as these traits are crucial for an Operations Graduate.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about situations where you had to manage a team or project under pressure. Practising these types of questions will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the challenges they face in operations or how they measure success in their teams. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
