Graduate Development Programme - Customer Operations

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Graduate Development Programme - Customer Operations (2 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Worcester based, with a balance of home and office working and travel

35 hours per week

£28,500 per annum, rising to £30,000 following successful completion of Year 1

Build your career. Improve customer experiences. Become a future leader

Are you looking for a graduate programme where you can take on genuine responsibility, develop as a leader and make a positive difference to customers and communities?

Our Graduate Development Programme - Customer Operations offers a structured two-year development pathway across Sanctuary’s Housing and Property operations. Through four six-month rotational placements, you will gain practical experience, develop your leadership capability and build a broad understanding of how we deliver services and outcomes for our customers.

This is more than an opportunity to observe. You will contribute to real services, projects and improvements while receiving formal learning, mentoring and exposure to leaders from across the organisation.

About Sanctuary:

Our mission is to build affordable homes and sustainable communities where people choose to live. We provide housing, care and support to more than a quarter of a million customers across England and Scotland and employ over 14,000 people. Our work includes managing and maintaining social and affordable housing, supporting customers and helping to address the national housing crisis through the development of good-quality affordable homes.

About the programme:

During the scheme, you will typically complete four six-month rotations designed to give you broad experience across Customer Operations and Housing and Property. These will include an introduction to frontline housing operations, resident engagement and management. The final placement will be tailored towards your strengths and interests to develop specialist experience.

We have a comprehensive induction, where you will be introduced to key senior leaders throughout the business and visit a range of our operations across the UK along with meeting all our current and past graduates.

About you:

You may be studying any degree subject and will either be in the final year of your studies or have completed your degree within the past two years. You will need, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree. Your potential, personal strengths and willingness to learn will be just as important as your academic background. We are looking for graduates who put customers at the heart of their thinking, build positive and effective relationships, bring fresh ideas and look for opportunities to improve services.

You do not need previous experience of the housing sector. We are interested in your transferable skills, your potential and your motivation to learn.

Learning and Development

The Sanctuary Learning Academy provides effective and high-quality learning opportunities throughout the organisation, supporting our employees to achieve their ambitions and enabling Sanctuary to meet its business objectives. You will also have access to a buddy and mentor.

What will happen after you complete the Graduate Programme?

Upon successful completion of the programme, our Graduates can typically expect to move into senior roles with increased remuneration packages. We therefore enjoy considerably higher retention rates when compared to other graduate schemes.

What can we offer you in return?

As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, we offer development and training opportunities alongside a comprehensive reward and benefits package, including:

- A pension scheme with matching employer contributions from Sanctuary, up to set limits

- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to a maximum of 30 days, plus public holidays

- A hybrid working arrangement, balancing home and office working

- Life assurance

- Health and wellbeing plans

- Discounted products and services

- Personal advice and counselling

- Family-friendly arrangements

- Tax-efficient savings through our Cycle to Work scheme

- Learning and development opportunities

- Access to Employee network groups, including our Parent, Disability, Race equality (REN) and LGBTQ+ (PRISM) networks

- A relocation allowance of £1,500 if you are moving more than 50 miles

- £28,500 per annum, rising to £30,000 following the successful completion of Year 1

What is the application process?

- Stage 1: Complete an online application form and submit a 60 second video

- Stage 2: Virtual first stage interviews – held via MS Teams

- Stage 3: Assessment Centre held in our Worcester Head Office in early March 2027

As part of your application, we will be asking you to submit a 60 second video, showcasing your interest and passion for working with customers, alongside completing a number of application questions. Watch our how to guide here - Graduate application video guide

Before completing your application, view our website Graduates | Sanctuary to explore the values and behaviours that are important to us and hear from our current and previous graduates about their experiences. We have also attached a guidance video here to support you in uploading your video.

If you have questions about the opportunity or would like to discuss an adjustment to support you through the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] .

Using Artificial Intelligence to support your application:

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. However, if you are thinking of using AI to support your application, we ask you to think carefully about what value it adds. AI tools can lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. Therefore, we encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice in your application video and free-text answers.

Ready to start your career, make a difference for customers and develop into one of our future leaders? Apply to join our Graduate Development Programme - Customer Operations.

Closing Date: 10 January 2027

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent unlawful working.
Sanctuary Group is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.