Graduate Operations Manager – 18 Month Development Scheme
Start Date: 8th September 2026
Salary: £27,000 pa
Contract: 18-Month Fixed Term
Number of Positions: 3
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire and the surrounding area
About CSP
CSP stands for The Combined Services Provider. It also stands for Caring, Safe, Professional, representing our Values. We specialise in providing services to venues and static sites including Car Parking, Internal and External Traffic Management, HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) solutions, Security, Stewarding, Cash & Audit and Consultancy services. Whilst our range of services has grown, Car Parking/Traffic Management, HVM, and Security/Stewarding represent our core areas of expertise.
About Our Graduate Scheme
Our Operations Graduate Scheme is a hands-on, 18-month development programme designed to fast-track ambitious graduates into operational management roles. You will gain in-depth experience across core business functions such as finance, logistics, operational support and more while developing your leadership skills, and play a key part in delivering operational excellence from day one.
During this scheme, you will receive industry related training and gain significant qualifications within Traffic Management and Security and Stewarding. You will also have the opportunity to be part of the operational delivery of our services at our client sites, as well as major events such as the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon Championships.
At the end of the scheme, we hope that successful graduates will step into permanent roles as Operations Managers, with clear progression pathways and support.
What you will be doing as a Graduate Operations Manager at CSP
- Rotate across key operational departments to gain broad exposure to the business, this will include roles within our Head Office in Watford as well as some of our partnering sites; these could be office based or on a green site;
- Work closely with experienced managers and mentors to support real projects;
- Identify areas for process improvement and deliver change;
- Learn how to manage teams, drive performance, and solve complex operational challenges;
- Build your commercial acumen and strategic thinking through practical experience.
- You will gain qualifications within the Traffic and Security industry.
What we need from you as a Graduate Operations Manager at CSP
- A 2:1 or above pending/awarded in the last 18 months;
- A minimum of 3 A-Levels grade C or above (or equivalent);
- Strong communication and teamwork skills;
- A proactive mindset with a desire to take ownership and make a difference;
- The ability to adapt, prioritise and stay calm under pressure;
- Flexibility to work weekends;
- The right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide sponsorships.
- UK driving licence
What CSP can offer you as a Graduate Operations Manager
- A competitive salary
- Up to 25 days’ holiday (pro-rata – after qualifying service) plus Bank/Public Holidays
- Pension scheme with excellent employer contribution
- Private Medical Insurance (after a qualifying period)
- Life insurance at 4x salary
- Access to salary sacrifice schemes
- A range of valuable medical and practical support services through an external Employee Assistance provider
CSP strives to be an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £27,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have a 2.1 Degree (pending/awarded in the last 18 months)?
- Can you work weekends?
- As a Graduate Operations Manager, you will rotate between Head Office, client sites and live event environments, while learning to manage teams, solve operational challenges and improve processes. Why are you interested in operational management with CSP, and what skills or experiences do you believe would help you succeed in this role? (250 words max) *
- Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly, prioritise competing demands or lead a task/project. What did you learn, and how would that experience help you succeed on this graduate scheme? (250 words max)*
- Describe a time when you had to make a practical decision in a busy or pressured environment. How did you assess the situation, communicate with others, and ensure a safe or successful outcome? (250 words max) *
- Due to the nature of our industry, are you happy to under go an enhanced DBS check? *
Education:
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
