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Core operational area

Join the team that puts customers at the heart of everything we do

Applications for this year’s programme have now closed. It will reopen next year.

Programme overview

Location: Southampton

Start date: April 2026 or September 2026 (two intakes)

The Core operational area keeps the business running smoothly every day. They turn the Chief Executive Officer’s big ideas into practical plans, making sure everything works efficiently and resources are used wisely to reach company goals. This team looks after areas like Operations, Technology, Change and Data, focusing on doing things better and leading people to deliver our strategy successfully.

Our two-year rotational programme gives you the flexibility to choose a path that suits your qualifications and career ambitions. You can select from two options:

  • Pathway 1 – Operations: A broader route into the world of business operations, perfect if you want to understand how everything works behind the scenes.
  • Pathway 2 – Technology: A tech-focused journey into IT and AI, ideal if you’re passionate about digital innovation and data-driven solutions.

Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll gain hands-on experience across key areas and build a strong foundation for your future career.

Where you’ll gain experience

Pathway 1: Operations

  • Operations
    Get involved in the day-to-day services that keep our customers supported. From onboarding and processing requests to ensuring compliance and delivering operational excellence, you’ll see how everything fits together.
  • Regulatory
    Understand the frameworks that keep us resilient – from financial crime prevention and CASS requirements to compliance standards and governance controls.
  • Procurement
    Get to grips with sourcing strategies, supplier management and cost optimisation – all essential for creating value across the organisation.

Pathway 2: Technology

  • Technology
    Explore the systems and platforms that drive our business. You’ll work on digital transformation projects and learn how we protect our organisation through information security and cyber-crime prevention.
  • Data & AI
    Discover how data shapes strategy. You’ll learn to analyse complex information, turn insights into action, and apply AI solutions that drive innovation.
  • Change
    Learn how to deliver successful change projects. You’ll use analytics to measure impact and work with stakeholders to make transformation happen.

Three reasons to join us:

You’ll have real responsibility from day one

You’ll receive comprehensive training and mentoring

You’ll have opportunities to shape the future of investment and operations

What are we looking for?

  • Bold and dynamic: are you comfortable taking risks and leading innovation?
  • Curiosity and innovation: do you want to seek knowledge and new ideas, and are you willing to experiment and learn?
  • Challenging and ambitious: will you question the status quo and set stretching goals?
  • Growth mindset: are you interested in driving your own personal and professional development?
  • Collaborative and inclusive: We’ll need you to work well with others, be willing to share your knowledge, and listen to diverse perspectives.
  • Integrity and honesty: You’ll need to build trust through being open, honest and true in your communication and actions.
  • Personal accountability: You’ll be expected to take responsibility for issues and solutions, following through on commitments.
  • Insightful and service-focused: We’ll need you to understand and exceed client and colleague needs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • A keen attention to detail.
  • A team player, who can collaborate effectively with diverse individuals.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook etc).

You don’t need any specific qualifications to apply. What matters most to us is your passion for the industry and eagerness to learn.  All we ask is that you complete any studies before September 2026, when the programme starts.

What does the recruitment process involve?

For our one-year and two-year programmes, we’ve designed our recruitment process to help us get to know you and give you the chance to shine.

  1. Apply with your CV
    Show us your skills, experience, and what makes you unique. This is your first step towards an exciting future with Quilter.
  2. Motivation questionnaire
    Here’s your chance to tell us why you’re interested in the role and what inspires you. We want to understand what drives you and how you see your career developing.
  3. Live video Interview
    You’ll meet our friendly Talent Acquisition team for a virtual chat. You can share your story and learn more about us.
  4. Assessment centre
    Join us at our Southampton office for an interactive experience. You’ll take part in group exercises, presentations, and meet some of the people you could be working with.
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Top tip:
We’re looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, not just good grades on paper. Be yourself and let your personality shine through!


Key dates to be aware of:

Recruitment timeline for April intake

Interview Process

5 February – 12 February    

Email questionnaire will be issued.

16 February – 24 February 

Interviews will be held via Teams.

w/c 2 March

Assessment centre (Southampton).

w/c 9 March

Final decision will be made.

Onboarding Process After Offer 

30 March  

Pre-induction day call (virtual call)

6 April

Start date


Recruitment timeline for September intake

Interview Process

2 February – 6 February    

Email questionnaire will be issued.

23 February – 13 March 

Interviews will be held via Teams.

7 April – 13 April

Assessment centre (London or Southampton). 

4 May onwards

Final decision will be made.

Onboarding Process After Offer 

2 July  

Introduction to Early Careers Team (virtual call).

30 July 

‘Meet your Manager’ networking lunch (In-person).

2 September 

Pre-induction day call (virtual call).

Tips to help you succeed

We asked some of our 2025 early careers intake to share their advice on how to ensure your application is successful. Take a look at the video.

Want to be inspired to be your best?

  • Our inclusive and collaborative culture will encourage you to be curious, embrace learning and take personal ownership for your work – setting you up for success at Quilter.
  • You’ll see each of our values in action: embrace challenge, do the right thing, always curious and stronger together.
  • You’ll thrive in our friendly and open environment, where helping each other is second nature.
  • You’ll be encouraged to grow and develop your skills to make the most of your career with us.
  • Help drive our culture by joining our Culture Champions working group

Find out more about working at Quilter by visiting our Careers site.

Why we do what we do

We are united behind our purpose of creating brighter financial futures for every generation.

Watch time: 2 minutes

What’s important to us

Our culture is underpinned by our four core values. Hear our Quilter colleagues explain how they continually drive us in the way we behave.

Watch time: 1 minute, 30 seconds

If you want to know more about what makes Quilter such a great place to work, and the awards and recognitions we’ve received, head over to our careers page.

And why not follow us on our social channels too?

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All our early careers opportunities

See the opportunities

Hints and tips

Read our tips

Why Quilter?

Reasons to join us