Do you have the passion to lead people, drive change and shape the future of our operations?

As a Future Operations Leader Degree Apprentice, you'll step into a leadership role at the heart of Amazon's operations from day one. You'll also earn a fully funded BSc (Hons) in Leadership and Project Management from a Russell Group university. You'll work on the ground in one of our fulfilment centres or operational sites, solving real business problems alongside experienced leaders.

At its core, this is a people role. You'll work with data, processes and technology, but the heart of operations leadership is people. You'll learn how to motivate a team at 3am, how to handle difficult conversations with empathy, how to spot when someone's struggling, and how to build an environment where people want to do their best work. If working with others energises you and you want a career leading teams, this programme gives you the foundation.

Eligibility requirements

To be considered for this apprenticeship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK national, or a non-UK national with the right to work in the UK, or an EU national with settled status.
• Have lived in the UK, an EEA country, or a British Overseas Territory for at least three years prior to the programme start date (September 2027).
• Be resident in the UK for the entire duration of the programme.
• Not be registered on another UK government-funded course ending August 2027 or later.
• Be 18 years or older before entering an Amazon building (September 2027).
• Hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 (A-C) or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• Hold 3 A Levels at minimum grades ABB (or equivalent). Contextual offers will also apply. https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/individual-needs/contextual-admissions
• Not already hold a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship.

What you’ll do

Lead teams. Drive change. Make an impact.

This is a hands-on role, not a desk job. Our sites are vast (some are the size of several football pitches), and you'll be out on the floor where the action happens, leading teams and solving problems in real time.

You’ll gain experience in:

• Business strategy and how organisations operate
• Project planning, scheduling, budgeting and delivery
• Leading and managing diverse teams, building trust and driving performance
• Financial controls, business cases and performance reporting
• Stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing
• Organisational change management
• Risk, quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Commercial awareness, procurement and contract management
• Digital innovation, data-driven technologies and AI in business

You'll work a full-time 40-hour week on rotating shift patterns, including days, nights and weekends. Our operations run around the clock, and great leaders understand every part of that rhythm. It's a physical, on-your-feet role. It's not for everyone, but if you thrive where no two days are the same, it's one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

Your learning is blended. Each module follows a 14-week cycle of pre-reading, in-person masterclasses at the university, online webinars, and independent study and assignments. A dedicated Academic Mentor supports you throughout, with progress reviews every 12 weeks alongside your Line Manager. You'll also have full access to university resources, including library services, wellbeing support and student societies.

Programme details

Who We’re Looking For

We're not expecting you to arrive with management experience. We're looking for potential.

Leadership isn't about a job title; it's about what you do when no one's told you to. Maybe you've captained a sports team, coached younger students, led a group project, completed your Duke of Edinburgh, volunteered in your community or been a prefect. Or maybe you've spent a few years in work and found yourself stepping up: training new starters, leading a team or improving a process.

You’ll succeed if you:

• Have an interest in operations, logistics or supply chain
• Are genuinely enthusiastic about leading, motivating and working with people
• Step up without being asked
• Communicate well and can influence others
• Have a problem-solving mindset and a willingness to learn
• Are comfortable with change and stay calm in a fast-paced environment
• Are happy working shifts (days, nights and weekends) in a warehouse environment

Career Progression

As a Future Operations Leader Degree Apprentice, you'll build relationships across your site, develop your own leadership style and take on more responsibility as you progress. You'll finish with four qualifications and a strong base for a leadership career in operations, such as Shift Manager and Area Manager roles across our network.