Operations Graduate Programme

Compass Group UK; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the UK is offering a two-year Operations Graduate Programme designed for recent graduates looking to fast-track their careers in operations management. Participants will gain hands-on experience across various sectors, including healthcare and defence, while managing real projects and leading teams. The programme offers mentorship and structured development, preparing candidates for leadership roles within a dynamic and diverse environment. Successful applicants will receive permanent contracts from day one and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Mentorship & structured development

Hands-on experience

Diverse rotations

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate right to work in the UK & Ireland.
• Able to gain DBS and enhanced security clearance.
• Clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day operations on live sites.
• Plan and deliver hospitality, retail and support service projects.
• Manage stock, budgets and financial performance.
• Lead and motivate teams.

Skills

Curiosity

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Recent graduate (within the last 2 years), any degree discipline

Job description

Run large complex operations. Lead teams to make a real difference. Build your future in purpose led sectors.

We’re not your average service provider.

We’re a fully integrated service brand operating in some of the UK’s most complex and high-impact environments - from hospitals and defence sites to retail, aerospace and government, supporting global brands. We bring together food services, retail, technology and essential support functions under one smart, connected model to create safer spaces, smarter services and market leading experiences for people and communities.

Think:

• Frictionless, tech-driven retail
• High-quality food and facilities in hospitals
• Defence-grade operations
• Sustainability, innovation and social value at the core

What we do improves safety, efficiency and everyday experiences for staff, communities and customers — and we’re just getting started.

The Programme: Fast-track your leadership career

Our two-year Operations Graduate Programme is built for people who want responsibility early, variety fast, and progression that actually means something.

You’ll rotate every 6 months, gaining hands on experience across sectors like:

• Healthcare
• Defence
• Government
• Digital marketing

You won’t just observe — you’ll run services, lead teams, manage projects and solve real problems from day one.

What you’ll actually do

This is a proper, hands‑on role. You’ll:

• Run day-to-day operations on live sites
• Plan and deliver hospitality, retail and support service projects
• Manage stock, budgets and financial performance
• Own health & safety and quality standards
• Work directly with clients and customers
• Lead and motivate teams

You’ll work across the South region of the UK, with experiences across high‑profile, high‑impact environments, including:

Government Services - London

Take the lead as an Operations Support Manager in essential public services at this iconic government building. You’ll manage day-to-day operations, work closely with clients, oversee teams, and ensure services run smoothly in complex, regulated environments.

Defence Site - Swindon

Step into a management role on a live defence site. You’ll learn what it takes to deliver safe, compliant, high‑performance services where precision, trust and resilience matter most.

Healthcare - Regional Management (South)

Go beyond a single site. As a Regional Manager across this healthcare sub‑sector, you’ll support multiple locations, collaborate with clinical and operational leaders, help shape services that directly impact patient and staff wellbeing.

Support Services - Digital Marketing (Global HQ, Chertsey)

See the business from a different angle. You’ll work with our Propositions team, helping shape how we take services to market — using insight, data and digital marketing to influence strategy, innovation and growth through the promotion of our brands and services using online channels.

Expect a mix of site‑based work, hybrid working and travel across the region so you must have a clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Learn from the ground up by doing (from day one)

We don’t believe in watching from the sidelines.

We believe the best leaders understand how things really work.

That’s why you’ll:

• Lead frontline teams and projects
• Learn directly from experienced managers
• Deliver projects that make a visible impact
• Solve real operational challenges
• Work alongside senior leaders
• Understand how decisions on paper affect people on the ground

You’ll be supported by:

• A structured learning programme (online + development workshops)
• A dedicated mentor
• A Graduate Programme Manager
• A network of fellow grads going through the journey with you

Where this takes you

This programme is designed to set you up as a future Operations Manager and launch you into a long‑term leadership career.

By the end of the 2 year programme, you’ll be ready to:

• Lead single or multi‑site operations
• Manage complex, multi‑service contracts
• Work confidently with senior leaders and clients
• Make smart commercial decisions
• Build high‑performing teams

You’ll understand how to balance people, performance, safety, commercial outcomes and client relationships — the skills that define great leaders.

And yes — career progression is real, with endless opportunities across our business.

What’s in it for you?

• Diverse rotations across healthcare, retail, aerospace, digital and more
• Real leadership experience (not just shadowing)
• Mentorship & structured development
• Hands‑on experience in complex environments
• Ownership from day one
• Clear progression into operations management roles

What we’re looking for

You don’t need a specific degree — just the right mindset. We’re looking for potential, not a perfect CV.

You are:

• A recent graduate (within the last 2 years), any degree discipline
• Curious, driven, adaptable, and ready to lead
• Interested in operations, people and problem‑solving
• Confident, comfortable with change, challenge and relocation
• Organised, proactive and solutions‑focused

You must also have:

• The right to work in the UK & Ireland (Our graduates are on permanent contracts from day one, we welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work within the UK where you can maintain and demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment)
• The ability to gain DBS and enhanced security clearance
• A clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Ready to get started?

If you want a career where no two days are the same, where you’ll learn fast, lead early and make a real impact, this is your moment.

Click APPLY, upload your CV and answer a few quick questions. We’ll guide you through the next steps.

Join Compass Group UK & Ireland — and start building the future of food, facilities and services.