Business & Operational Excellence Graduate Job Details | Sulzer

Sulzer; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Business & Operational Excellence Graduate for a two-year pathway offering structured rotational placements. You will collaborate with teams to enhance productivity, support transformation programs, and embrace operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a 2:2 degree or above in relevant fields and possess strong project management skills. This role offers a competitive salary and mentorship opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive graduate salary

Company-wide bonus scheme

Comprehensive rotational experience

Mentorship from operational experts

Lean training

Access to Employee Assistance Programmes

Free onsite parking with EV charging points

Qualifications

• A 2:2 degree or above in supply chain, operations, business management, or a related field.
• Strong project management and multitasking skills.
• Solid understanding of business and financial concepts.
• Flexibility to travel across UK sites and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements.
• Contribute to the development and deployment of transformation programmes.
• Champion continuous improvement across departments.
• Assist in capital investment planning and ROI analysis.

Skills

Project management

Multitasking

Business acumen

Innovative mindset

Education

2:2 degree or above in supply chain, operations, business management, or related field

Job description

FE_Energy-E262

Business & Operational Excellence Graduate - Full Time - Leeds, United Kingdom

Location: UK-wide rotational placements across the UK sites, potential for international travel and the possibility of an international placement

About Sulzer

At Sulzer, we’re more than just an engineering company—we’re one global team with a shared purpose. With over 200 years of innovation and 13,000+ employees across 160 sites, we deliver sustainable solutions that make a real impact. As a Top Employer 2024, we’re committed to developing future talent and offering meaningful career opportunities across our business.

Overview

Our two-year Business & Operational Excellence Graduate Pathway offers structured rotational placements at Sulzer’s UK facilities, giving you broad exposure to our core operational functions:

• Quality (including LEAN / Continuous Improvement)
• Procurement
• Project Management
• Operations
• HR
• Health and Safety

You’ll contribute to strategic initiatives aligned with our facility of the future strategy—supported by experienced professionals, formal mentoring, and structured development tailored to your goals.

What You Will Be Doing

As part of the Operational Excellence team, you will:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements in productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency
• Contribute to the development and deployment of transformation programmes
• Champion continuous improvement and embed operational excellence across departments
• Support innovation in systems, processes, and technology
• Assist in capital investment planning through robust business cases and ROI analysis
• Promote a culture of improvement and operational excellence
• Support audit standard development and compliance

What You Will Bring

• A 2:2 degree or above in supply chain, operations, business management, or a related field
• Strong project management and multitasking skills
• Solid understanding of business and financial concepts
• A proactive, innovative mindset
• Flexibility to travel across UK sites and internationally
• A valid passport

What We Offer

• Competitive graduate salary and company-wide bonus scheme
• Comprehensive rotational experience across disciplines and locations
• Travel and accommodation support for placements
• Mentorship from Sulzer’s operational experts
• Extensive learning and development via Sulzer Learning Pathways
• Lean training (White, Yellow, Green Belt)
• Formal mentoring and enrichment modules to support leadership development
• Interaction with Sulzer’s Senior Leadership Team
• Access to Employee Assistance Programmes
• Free onsite parking with EV charging points

Key Dates

• Applications close: December 2025
• Screening calls: December – January
• Assessment centres/interviews: January – February 2026

Early applications are encouraged. We may close applications early if we receive high interest. Please note: Visa/work permit support is not available for this role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2024 in Brazil, China, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.