Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Defence contracts and gain hands-on experience in operations and management.
- Company: Join Serco, a top international employer in the Defence sector.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, 25 days holiday, and a Level 5 Team Leader apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing leadership skills in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a 2:2 degree or above, eager to learn and improve processes.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Defence Academy, Shrivenham, SN6 8LA
Salary: £35,000 plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full time, Monday to Friday, two-year fixed-term graduate contract
Start date: September 2026
Ready to build a career in Defence? As a Graduate Operations Manager in our Training and Resilience (T&R) team, you will make a real impact from day one. You will support the delivery of Serco's Defence contracts, gaining hands-on experience across operational, contract management, and support functions — all while building a meaningful career in a vital sector.
This role is designed to accelerate your learning and develop your leadership skills through real project and operational experience. You will work closely with the T&R Senior Management Team, gaining insight into how a Serco contract is delivered and how different departments — including People, Finance, Health & Safety, Estates, IT, Logistics, Catering, and Course Administration — work together to achieve successful outcomes.
You will take an active role in supporting operational projects, contributing to process improvements, and helping colleagues deliver high-quality services. Over time, you will gain the skills and confidence to manage initiatives independently, influence cross-functional teams, and engage with stakeholders at all levels — building a foundation for a long-term career in Defence operations.
About the Defence Academy: The Defence Academy is home to both the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and the UK Resilience Academy — a premier centre delivering world-class defence, security and resilience education. The Academy provides internationally recognised military and academic programmes attended by personnel from the UK, wider government, industry and overseas militaries. Working here means joining a dynamic community dedicated to developing the intellectual edge needed for future defence and national resilience.
What you will do as a Graduate Operations Manager: You will gain broad, hands-on experience across contract delivery, operations and governance. Your work will be varied — from supporting reporting, projects and day-to-day operations, to contributing to how services are managed and improved. While organisation and reporting are important, this role is equally about working with people, building relationships and making things happen.
- Gain exposure across the Defence Academy, the UK Resilience Academy (UKRA), and wider resilience operations
- Support critical operational functions, including Estates, IT, Logistics, Catering, and Course Administration, working with internal teams and partners
- Assist with contract management activities spanning Finance, People, QHSE, governance, stakeholder engagement and business development
- Identify and contribute ideas to improve processes, efficiency and service delivery
- Build trusted working relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders
Does this sound like you?
- Graduated in the last two years with a 2:2 degree or above in any discipline, or on track to do so
- Curious about how organisations operate, motivated to improve processes, and keen to develop leadership skills
- Positive mindset, adaptable, and comfortable building strong working relationships
- Organised, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively under pressure
- Enjoys solving problems, learning from experience, and contributing ideas to improve ways of working
You do not need to know everything from the start — but you will be eager to learn, get involved, and give things a go.
Discover all you need to keep growing: As one of the top 1% of international employers, we are committed to helping you build a long-term career, not just gain short-term experience. We will support you to complete a Level 5 Team Leader apprenticeship, helping you develop your leadership capability and take increasing ownership as your career progresses.
This fixed-term graduate role is designed to open the door to a wide range of future career opportunities at Serco. Towards the end of the contract, you will be encouraged to apply for suitable permanent roles, subject to performance and role availability. Our previous graduates have gone on to progress into a variety of management and leadership positions — including Senior Contract Manager, Enterprise Risk Manager, Commercial and Special Projects Lead, Strategy Manager, Senior Buyer and Solution Lead — demonstrating how the skills you develop can open doors across our Defence contracts and the wider business.
What we offer: Holidays: 25 days plus
Graduate Operations Manager in Abingdon employer: Serco Plc
Contact Detail:
Serco Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Operations Manager in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Serco or in the Defence sector on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like the Graduate Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for operations roles. Practice your answers, focusing on how your skills align with the job description. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your studies or previous jobs where you improved processes or worked well under pressure. This will resonate with the hiring team looking for someone adaptable and proactive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to kickstart your career in Defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Operations Manager in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Operations Manager role. Highlight any relevant projects or roles that showcase your organisational and leadership abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the Defence sector. Share specific examples of how your background makes you a great fit for the team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention instances where you've tackled challenges or improved processes. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your commitment to joining our team at Serco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Plc
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Graduate Operations Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they relate to the Defence Academy's operations. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves improving processes and contributing ideas, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your analytical thinking.
✨Build Relationships During the Interview
The ability to build strong working relationships is crucial for this position. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the team dynamics. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in the people you'll be working with.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Highlight your curiosity and willingness to learn throughout the interview. Share examples of how you've sought out new knowledge or skills in previous roles or during your studies. This will resonate well with the company's commitment to developing your leadership capabilities.