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 £40,000 plus a company car and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Travel nationwide and enjoy potential progression into management roles.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career with real responsibility and exposure to major operations.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates, students, or early-career professionals with a passion for hospitality.
Location: Southampton (UK‑wide travel required)
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: 6‑Month Fixed Term Contract
Benefits: Company car provided
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. This role is well‑suited to graduates and early‑career professionals seeking a full‑time summer opportunity that delivers genuinely valuable experience, while also appealing to established managers or operators looking for a defined, high‑impact mobilisation role within a major organisation.
About The Role
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
- Mobilisation & Site Support
- 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 elevate 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
This Role Will Suit Someone Who:
- 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?
- £40,000 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 Southampton employer: One Retail
Compass Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where graduates and early-career professionals can kick-start their careers while gaining invaluable experience in the fast-paced world of food and support services. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced project managers and operational leaders, ensuring that each new Sainsbury’s Café is set up for success, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as a company car and a defined 6-month programme that paves the way for future career advancement within a FTSE-listed global organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Support Lead in Southampton
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Support Lead in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at One Retail
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at One Retail. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
