Compass Group UK & Ireland

A two-year graduate programme where you'll rotate across healthcare, defence, government, and digital marketing operations, gaining hands-on leadership and management experience.About the RoleRun 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 retailHigh-quality food and facilities in hospitalsDefence-grade operationsSustainability, innovation and social value at the coreWhat 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 careerOur 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:HealthcareDefenceGovernmentDigital marketingYou won’t just observe — you’ll run services, lead teams, manage projects and solve real problems from day one.What you’ll actually doThis is a proper, hands-on role. You’ll:Run day-to-day operations on live sitesPlan and deliver hospitality, retail and support service projectsManage stock, budgets and financial performanceOwn health & safety and quality standardsWork directly with clients and customersLead and motivate teamsYou’ll work across the South region of the UK, with experiences across high-profile, high-impact environments, including:Government Services – LondonTake 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 – SwindonStep 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, and 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 channelsExpect a mix of site-based work, hybrid working and travel across the region so you must have a clean UK driving license 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 projectsLearn directly from experienced managersDeliver projects that make a visible impactSolve real operational challengesWork alongside senior leadersUnderstand how decisions on paper affect people on the groundYou’ll be supported by:A structured learning programme (online + development workshops)A dedicated mentorA Graduate Programme ManagerA network of fellow grads going through the journey with youWhere this takes youThis 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 operationsManage complex, multi-service contractsWork confidently with senior leaders and clientsMake smart commercial decisionsBuild high-performing teamsYou’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 moreReal leadership experience (not just shadowing)Mentorship & structured developmentHands-on experience in complex environmentsOwnership from day oneClear progression into operations management rolesWhat we’re looking forYou 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 disciplineCurious, driven, adaptable, and ready to leadInterested in operations, people and problem-solvingConfident, comfortable with change, challenge and relocationOrganised, proactive and solutions-focusedYou 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 clearanceA clean UK driving license and access to your own vehicle

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This two-year machine learning implementation and predictive software engineering graduate scheme focuses on building artificial intelligence architectures, maintaining data pipelines, and compiling production-ready source code.Ready to Launch Your Career in AI?Compass Group UK & Ireland isn’t just the UK’s top food and support services provider—we’re a global powerhouse, part of Compass Group PLC (FTSE 20), and we’re obsessed with creating amazing experiences for millions every single day.But here’s the real story: We’re looking for bold, ambitious grads who want to shape the future of technology. If you’re passionate about making an impact, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving real change, this is your moment.Why Join Us?Grow Fast, Go Far: Our AI Graduate Engineer Programme is your launchpad. You’ll rotate through different teams, tackle real-world challenges, and get hands-on with projects that matter.Mentors & Mates: You’ll be supported by inspiring mentors and a network of fellow grads. We’re all about helping each other succeed.Make an Impact: We’re passionate about sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. Bring your ideas—we want to hear them.Programme OverviewPlacements: 6-9 month rotations across our exciting UK business sectors.Diverse Rotations: Gain experience across a variety of functions, giving you vast experience over 2 years.Location: Birmingham and London.What’s In It For You?Structured Learning: A 4 week structured training programme of Workshops, online tools, and practical experience— just real skills for real jobs.Career Pathways: A permanent role from day one, not a fixed term scheme with an uncertain ending.Epic Experiences: From day one, you’ll be making decisions, solving problems, and collaborating with leaders.Who Are We Looking For?Recent Grads: Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science or a related field – 2:1 grade or above (within the last 2 years).Passionate & Adaptable: Comfortable coding in at least one modern language. Someone curious enough to break things and thoughtful enough to fix them.To sent us: Your CV, a link to your GitHub, GitLab or personal repo, and a short note about the project you are proudest of. Need an adjustment to take part in the process? Just tell us and we will make it work.Team Players: Great communicators who love working with others.Future Leaders: Ready to take ownership and drive change.Eligibility: You must be able to demonstrate right to work without Compass Group UK&I sponsorship for the full duration of, and beyond, the programme end date, as the Home Office’s eligibility criteria will not be met.Your Journey Starts HereIf you’re ready to kickstart your career, build your skills, and join a team that’s all about growth, impact, and opportunity—Compass Group UK & Ireland is waiting for you.Apply now and let’s build the future together – our application process consists of video interviews, online testing and an in-person assessment in July 2026.We will give you a real world problem and ask you to design, explain and partially build an AI driven solution. Use the tools you would actually use. Show us how you think and what you can create.We care about your code, your architecture, your judgement and your ability to learn. Perfect is not required. Evidence of building is.

Posted 23 days ago