Operations Management Graduate Scheme
Please note that this graduate scheme’s function was previously called the Integrated Logistics (iLog) Function and has now changed its name to the Operational Delivery Function.
If you’re considering a career in Operations Management, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) offers you an opportunity like no other. This graduate scheme offers you the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and experience through hands on learning and training.
As an Operations Management Graduate, you’ll work alongside key stakeholders and suppliers to ensure that equipment remains supported and delivers the required performance.
Operations Management Graduates work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to effectively manage a capability, equipment, or service. They meet requirements from the customer using a range of analytical skills, problem solving, organisational skills as well as project management skills and techniques.
Read more about the Operational Delivery function.
Scheme Structure
The scheme is a two-year development programme where you’ll rotate through three placements providing you with the opportunity to learn about, and develop into, the role of an Operations Manager.
Year one
You’ll start your first placement on arrival into DE&S where you’ll be provided with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the organisation and start your onward career development. From here, you will start to build your knowledge, skills and experience as you support and deliver to our customers from within your placement.
Year two
You’ll continue your rotations throughout the business, moving into various roles to enhance and build on your development. You’ll also be working towards your professional qualification and preparation for your end of scheme assessment and onward business employment.
End of scheme
On successful completion of the scheme, you’ll move into a permanent role as an Operations Manager with the Operational Delivery function.
Recognised qualification
You’ll receive specialist Operations Management training and will work towards your Association for Project Management Project Management Qualification (also known as the APM PMQ).
Entry requirements
To apply for the scheme, you’ll need:
- Five full GCSEs at A*-C or grades 4-9 (or recognised equivalent) including English Language and Maths.
- An honours degree in any recognised subject (minimum 2:2)
- A degree at a grade of 2:1 or higher and experience relevant to your chosen scheme would be desirable.
It’s also beneficial if you can demonstrate relevant experience demonstrating project or business skills achieved through internships, placements or employment.
Help and support
There’s plenty of support available on this scheme. You’ll have:
A dedicated scheme manager who’ll be responsible for coordinating your professional training and development throughout the scheme.
A placement supervisor who’ll oversee your day-to-day management and provide on the job development opportunities.
Selection process
When applying, you’ll complete an initial online application and be required to undertake an online numerical, verbal and Civil Service judgement test.
If you pass all tests, you’ll then complete a full application and upload your CV (please note the specific CV requirements on the job advert).
Finally, the top scoring candidates will be invited to an assessment centre in Bristol.
The Operations Management Graduate Scheme is currently closed. Applications are due to open in late 2023.
Benefits and discounts
We truly believe that DE&S is a great place to work, and we offer a unique experience for our graduates and apprentices.
We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated and fairly rewarded and being part of the Civil Service allows to offer a very unique and attractive benefits package including discounts on cinema tickets, sport and leisure and your weekly shop.
Discover all the ways we can help you make life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Should you require support with the application process or require any technical assistance please contact the DBS team on 0800 345 7772.
A provisional offer informs you that you have been successful at interview subject to pre-employment checks. At this stage we will initiate the necessary pre-employment checks, such as security clearance and medical questionnaires. If you are an external candidate, you are strongly advised not to give notice to your current employer until pre-employment checks have successfully been concluded.
Your provisional offer will inform you of the pre-employment checks. The security checks, which are undertaken by National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency, usually take the longest to complete so you will be invited to commence this aspect once you have been informed that you have completed your interview, as this reduces delays. An invitation to begin the security clearance process is not a guarantee that you will be given an offer.
All candidates will be required to undertake security clearances to the level the role requires prior to commencing employment. Assuming the candidate completes their security forms and references are returned in a timely fashion, and that no further checks or documents are required, we would expect the individual to be advised that we are in the position to make a formal offer of employment and start discussions to agree an appropriate starting date.
The Disability Confident scheme aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives.
DE&S is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader.
