Business Operations Graduate Programme
Graduate Programmes
Menu
Intro image

Business Operations.
Explore our business.

Applications have now closed for the 2023 intake
popup image

About the Business Operations Graduate Programme

Business Operations play a vital role in the success of Baillie Gifford. We’ve been described as ‘the oil in the machine’ – keeping everything within the business running smoothly. All the areas of Business Operations are interlinked, and what we do is critical to the success of our whole company. Whether it’s processing trades, analysing operational risk, or working on process improvements, we add value at every stage of the process.

Everyone’s journey on our Business Operations Graduate Programme is different. We don’t expect you to know where you want to specialise, so our rotations are designed to help you explore your interests and the different opportunities available. It is structured as a two-year rotational programme followed by a supportive offboarding process. The rotational years are about getting a broad overview of Business Operations as you experience a series of placements across the firm. After the first two years, you will transition into the second phase of the programme where you will have the opportunity of doing up to three 12-month placements before transitioning into a permanent role.

We’re looking for Baillie Gifford’s leaders of the future. Through a wide range of placements in different areas, you’ll get directly involved in the work of the departments and experience the varied management styles within the firm. You’ll also be given real responsibility and the chance to be involved in live projects that could make a lasting difference to the firm.

image

“We are seeking individuals who can use their drive, initiative and determination to create success, not just for Baillie Gifford but also for their own career.”

Dickson Jackson,
Graduate Programme Sponsor.

Career Development

During your rotational programme, you’ll complete six 3 ½ month placements in our different business streams: Clients Department Operations, Professional Services, Investment Services and Investment Operations.

Throughout the programme, as well as constant on-the-job training, you’ll follow a structured development plan. This involves training in a range of professional skills designed to support your growth and development within our business. In year one, this includes guidance on how to understand and relate to others, time management, and networking. The courses will have more of a leadership focus in year two, including topics such as problem-solving in complex environments, coaching skills and becoming a resilient leader. You’ll also receive tutoring and study leave to gain the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) and Investment Management Certificate (IMC) qualifications. And at every stage, you’ll have the support of a dedicated buddy, a senior year group mentor (usually an Operational Partner) and a department host too.

 

With this solid foundation, after two years you will go on to complete one to three longer secondments in different teams before progressing to a permanent role. This is your opportunity to find out where your specialisms lie and to explore your full potential. Years three to five with us are designed to support your transition into a long-term career with the firm. The structure of those years will be flexible and will be tailored to each of our graduate’s individual talents and strengths.

Our requirements

It doesn’t matter what background you come from, as we will give you all the support you need to build and develop your skills to be a future business leader. At Baillie Gifford it’s your individuality that’s your strength. If you’re an inquisitive thinker and strive to understand how things work, you would be an ideal fit for our Business Operations Graduate Programme.

People, not degrees

We’re not looking for graduates with a particular degree. Instead, we’re looking for people who are critical-thinkers and real team players. It’s your thirst for knowledge and problem-solving skills that we need, which is why our trainees come from a wide range of disciplines – everything from Geography and Physics to Business and Politics.

A passion for business

We’re proud to have a diverse team, where each member brings their unique set of talents and experiences to their role. Although we’re completely open-minded about your background, you must have a passion for business. You should be fascinated by the way organisations work and want to strive to make them better.

Adaptable

Throughout the programme you’ll constantly be moving between teams and meeting new people. So, we want to see a flexible approach and the networking skills that will enable you to build relationships across the firm and get the most out of each placement.

Application process

step image Stage one

Complete our short online application form and attach your CV. We will review your application to find out more about you and assess whether you have the skills, attributes and curiosity to make a good Business Operations graduate.

step image Stage two

If you are successful in the first phase, we will invite you for a first interview with some of our Business Operations professionals. We will explore your application in more detail, talk about the academic and professional choices that you’ve made so far, together with some competency-based questions that assess your abilities and experience.

step image Stage three

The final stage of interviewing is the most in depth. You will attend an assessment centre with other applicants which will include a second interview and a group exercise. You will also have the chance to speak informally to current graduates, managers and the Early Careers Team about Baillie Gifford.

Meet our People

Profile image
Sharon Justine-Nyah Business Operations
Profile image
Rebecca Evans Business Operations
Profile image
David Ward Business Operations
Profile image
Ross Wilson Business Operations
Profile image
Laura Johnstone Business Operations
Profile image
Ishika Roy Chowdhury Business Operations

Business Operations not right for you? Try these