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: £35,000 salary, company car, and a defined 6-month programme.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression into management roles within a major organisation.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with real responsibility.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates, students, or early-career professionals with a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Shift hours: Full Time
Location: Leeds (UK‑wide travel required)
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.
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
- 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?
- £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 – Full Time – Leeds employer: Recruit4Mum
Compass Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where graduates and early-career professionals can thrive. With a competitive salary of £35,000 and a company car, employees benefit from hands-on experience in launching new Sainsbury’s Cafés across the UK, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a FTSE-listed global organisation. The supportive culture fosters collaboration with various teams, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and learning experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Support Lead – Full Time – Leeds
✨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 the company and role thoroughly. Understand Compass Group's values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the Mobilisation Support Lead position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you're in front of the interview panel.
✨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 at Compass Group and ready to kick-start your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Support Lead – Full Time – Leeds
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 project management or operational experience, and don’t forget to mention your adaptability and willingness to travel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share why you’re excited about supporting the launch of Sainsbury’s Cafés and how your background makes you a great fit.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our team at Compass Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Mobilisation Support Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting café openings and working with various teams. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since this role involves nationwide travel and adapting to different environments, be prepared to discuss your experiences in fast-paced or changing situations. Share specific examples where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted quickly to new challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage with different stakeholders by using examples from past experiences where you’ve had to liaise with various teams or resolve issues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face during café openings, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
