Future Operations Leader - Degree Apprenticeship South East (37-month fixed term contract)

This is an opportunity to earn a fully funded BSc (Hons) in Leadership and Project Management from a Russell Group university while working in Amazon's fulfilment centres or operational sites. You will be leading teams, driving change, and solving real business challenges from day one.

What You'll Do

This is a hands-on role where you'll be on the floor, leading teams and impacting operations. You will learn to motivate teams, handle difficult conversations with empathy, and create a positive work environment. The role involves shift work, including days, nights, and weekends, as operations run 24/7. You'll need to prioritise quickly, stay composed under pressure, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

A typical day might involve:

• Starting with a team stand-up or shift handover, reviewing priorities and performance metrics.
• Supporting team leaders or managers on the floor with real-time problem-solving.
• Working on projects linked to your degree, such as building business cases or analysing data.
• Attending masterclasses, webinars, and completing coursework during university weeks, applying learnings directly to your work.

As you progress, you will build relationships, develop your leadership style, and take on more responsibility.

Who You Are

This programme is for individuals who naturally step up and take initiative, whether through captaining sports teams, coaching, leading group projects, volunteering, or taking ownership in previous work roles. You should have a genuine enthusiasm for leading, motivating, and working with people, with natural leadership instincts.

Skills and Development

Over 37 months, you will develop skills in:

• Business strategy and organisational operations
• Project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and delivery
• Leading and managing diverse teams
• Financial controls and performance reporting
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing
• Organisational change management
• Risk identification and continuous improvement
• Commercial awareness and contract management
• Digital innovation, data-driven technologies, and AI

Qualifications You'll Achieve

• BSc (Hons) Leadership and Project Management
• Level 6 Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship
• CMI Level 5 Certificate in Project Management (dual accredited)
• International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D qualification

Learning Structure

This is a blended learning programme combining pre-reading, in-person masterclasses, online learning, and individual study. You will receive support from an Academic Mentor and have regular progress reviews with your Line Manager. Access to university resources, including library services and wellbeing support, will be provided.

Basic Qualifications

• Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2027).
• Have the right to live and work in England at the point of enrolment (June 2027).
• Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years prior to the start date.
• Not be registered to study on a UK government funded course ending August 2027 or later.
• Be prepared to travel for external/mandatory training.
• Hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• Hold 3 A Levels at minimum grades ABB (or equivalent).
• You must NOT already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interest in operations, logistics, or supply chain environments.
• A genuine enthusiasm for leading, motivating, and working with people.
• Natural leadership instincts.
• Resilience and ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Great communication and influencing skills.
• A problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable with change and fast-paced environments.
• Happy working in a fast-paced warehouse environment, including shift work.