Operations Degree Apprentice
Job Reference Number
Location: Hemel Hempstead
Hours:36 hours per week
Qualification:Degree in Management and Business (BA, BSc, or BBA)
Start Date:September 2025
Salary: GBP 24,082
Working Hours
As an Operations Degree Apprentice, you will be required to work a variety of shifts to gain full exposure to our 24/7 operation. This will include working early shifts, late shifts, and night shifts, as well as some weekend working.
To help you gain a full understanding of how our operations work, you'll experience a range of shift patterns, including:
Early shifts (starting from around 6am)
Late shifts (finishing as late as 10pm)
Night shifts (range from the hours of 10pm : 6am)
This will help you develop a well:rounded view of our 24/7 parcel operation, and you'll always be given plenty of notice for your shift schedules.
About the Apprenticeship
Over three years you will learn all about the different parts of our pipeline and gain skills in:
Logistics and Supply Chain Operations: How Royal Mail's parcel delivery network works - from collection hubs to depots to final delivery. Tracking and optimising parcel flows, using technology and operational processes. Understanding delivery routes, fleet management, and vehicle scheduling.
Operational Management: Day:to:day management of teams in depots, hubs, and delivery offices. Learning to manage KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) like on:time delivery rates, parcel volumes, and customer service scores. Exposure to shift planning, resource allocation, and contingency planning.
Commercial and Financial Acumen: Understanding the financial side of operations - e.g., cost per delivery, budgeting, and profitability of delivery routes. Analysing performance data to find cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Customer Service and Client Relationships: How Royal Mail deals with B2B (business customers) and B2C (consumers). Handling customer complaints, tracking issues, and providing solutions to improve service levels
Leadership and People Management: Managing teams of drivers, warehouse operatives, and office staff. Developing communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills. Understanding employment law, health and safety, and HR policies in a logistics environment.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Learning how Royal Mail adopts new technology, such as route optimisation software, vehicle telematics, and automated sorting systems.
Sustainability and Environmental Practices: Understanding how Royal Mail is working to reduce its carbon footprint. Learning about alternative fuel vehicles, route efficiency, and sustainable packaging initiatives.
About You
Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with team members, managers, and customers. Comfortable delivering updates, reports, and presentations. Strong listening skills to understand operational challenges.
Problem:Solving and Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess operational issues and identify practical solutions. Confidence to analyse data, spot trends, and recommend improvements. Logical thinking when dealing with unexpected challenges in a fast:paced environment.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within teams across depots, hubs, and customer service departments. Willingness to support colleagues and share ideas. Understanding how different functions (operations, customer service, transport) work together.
Time Management and Organisation: Ability to balance work responsibilities, university study, and personal development. Strong organisational skills to prioritise tasks, especially during peak periods. Capability to manage deadlines for work projects and degree assignments.
Leadership Potential: Eagerness to take on responsibility and lead small teams or projects. Confidence to engage and motivate others. Willingness to develop coaching and feedback skills.
Attention to Deta