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.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol / Newquay (with UK‑wide travel)
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: 6‑month fixed‑term
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 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
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 Bristol employer: OneRetail
Compass Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can kick-start your career while gaining invaluable experience in the fast-paced world of food and support services. With a strong focus on employee growth, this role provides exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to progress into management positions within a FTSE-listed global organisation. Enjoy the benefits of a competitive salary, a company car, and the chance to be part of exciting new café launches across the UK, all while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Support Lead in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Group and understanding their values and operations. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in mobilising new café sites.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role of Mobilisation Support Lead.
✨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 the Compass Group team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Support Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Mobilisation Support Lead role. Highlight any relevant experience in hospitality, retail, or project management to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you a great fit for the team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since this role involves nationwide travel, emphasise your willingness to adapt and manage multiple tasks. Share examples of how you've successfully handled changing environments or tight deadlines in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OneRetail
✨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 liaising with various teams. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills align with what Compass Group is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since this role involves nationwide travel and adapting to different environments, be prepared to discuss your experiences in fast-paced settings. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted to changes, highlighting your proactive approach and organisational skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you can illustrate your ability to work with diverse teams. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your experience in collaborating with different stakeholders, whether in previous jobs or during your studies, to show you can effectively communicate at all levels.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Mindset
Compass Group values individuals who are eager to learn and grow. Be ready to discuss how you’ve approached learning in past roles or projects. Highlight any specific instances where you’ve captured insights from experiences and applied them to improve future outcomes, demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement.
