Graduate Scheme – Operations & Leadership

About the role Are you passionate about leading teams, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and driving operational excellence? Our Operations Graduate Scheme is designed to develop future leaders through hands-on experience across key operational roles. This structured rotational scheme gives you exposure to critical areas of our operations, building your leadership capability and commercial awareness: Branch Manager Placement Start your journey at the heart of our business. As a Branch Manager, you’ll lead a team to deliver outstanding service, drive performance, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. You’ll gain first-hand experience managing people, processes, and customer expectations. Central Operations Manager (OSM / DSM) Take your understanding of operations to the next level by working in a central or regional role. You’ll support multiple sites, using data and insight to improve performance, drive consistency, and implement operational initiatives across the network. You’ll get Structured learning and development throughout the programme Exposure to senior leaders and real business challenges Clear progression opportunities following successful completion A supportive and inclusive environment where you can thrive Salary: £ 32,000 Start Date: 6 Sept 2027 What is in it for you At Booker, you'll be given real responsibility from day one and the opportunity to make a genuine impact in one of the UK's leading wholesale businesses. As part of the Tesco Group, you'll gain exposure to a large, fast-paced operation while developing the skills, experience and confidence to grow into a future leadership role Alongside structured training, coaching and mentoring, you'll benefit from a competitive rewards package designed to support you both professionally and personally. This includes colleague discounts across Booker and Tesco, access to share schemes, a matched pension, life assurance and a range of wellbeing support services including a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme. Click here to find out more You will be responsible for Leading and developing high-performing teams Driving operational efficiency and performance improvement Using data to identify trends and inform decisions Delivering excellent customer and colleague experiences Taking increasing ownership and accountability throughout the programme You will need This section is here to help you get a feel for what each scheme is about and what might suit you best. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills listed - we don’t expect you to. We’re looking for potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. We’ll support you to build the rest. A passion for people, understanding customer needs and ensuring products and services are delivered effectively Enjoy working with and supporting others to achieve shared goals, and build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with a wide range of people. Have strong problem-solving skills and a desire to continuously improve things. Be curious about how a business operates and what drives great customer experiences. Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take ownership of challenges. Be adaptable and resilient in fast-paced, changing environments. Show enthusiasm for developing leadership skills and making a positive impact on teams and customers. Strong communicators who can influence and inspire others Commercially aware with a problem-solving mindset On track for a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline Above all, we're looking for individuals who are motivated to learn, embrace new experiences and grow their careers while helping the business succeed. About us You might know Booker as the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, caterers, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across the country. But we're much more than that. With over 190 branches, distribution centres, logistics operations and support functions nationwide, it takes thousands of colleagues working together to keep our business moving and our customers thriving. [bookergrou...jobs.co.uk] At Booker, our colleagues share one goal: helping our customers succeed. Whether that's ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, providing outstanding service, or finding new ways to improve how we operate, every role makes a difference. Just as no two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues, and that's something we celebrate. [bookergrou...jobs.co.uk], [glassdoor.com] We're a business where people can learn, grow and build rewarding careers. From day one, you'll be supported with training, development opportunities, mentoring and coaching to help you reach your potential. We have a strong track record of developing our people and promoting from within, creating exciting opportunities for those who are eager to learn and take on new challenges. [glassdoor.com], [bookergrou...jobs.co.uk] We're proud to be a place where everyone is welcome and valued. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environment where colleagues can be themselves and perform at their best. If you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we're here to help. And if you're excited about the opportunity but don't feel you meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.