RETAIL LEADERS PROGRAMME

#GRADUATE PROGRAMME

Applications closed

Our stores are where our customers experience the M&S magic. This programme gives you the skills to be a Store Manager and bring that magic to life. Get close to customers with hands-on experiences to accelerate your career, you'll learn how our multi-million-pound stores run.

About the role

Great stores need great leaders. This programme will help you become one as you master the day-to-day management of our stores.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be close to customers and colleagues, learning our routines and the processes that make sure our stores run efficiently. You’ll get hands-on, working across all the departments, understanding each role and what they do. Then, you’ll be ready to take on your first Team Manager appointment.

We will also give you insight into the other vital parts of the business that play a critical role in helping our stores to run smoothly, such as Supply Chain and the Store Support Centre. These experiences will give you the best possible grounding to become a Deputy or Store Manager within 12 months.

Once you’ve become a Store Manager, this programme will give you a great platform to aim higher and continue to grow your career. That could be taking on bigger stores, working elsewhere in the business to broaden your skills, or working abroad in our international business.

What you'll need

You don’t need a specific degree to apply. What we look for is a curiosity of spirit, the willingness to learn and get stuck in, and a genuine interest in how businesses work for customers and colleagues. We’re a leader in one of the fastest-moving industries in the world, so you’ll need to be hands-on, able to work at pace and learn fast.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their preferred programme.

What we look for

To succeed here, you’ll need to be a team player who tells it as it is, works well with people and gets closer to customers. You’ll want responsibility, and you will be committed to working hard and getting the job done. It means being fast on your feet at solving problems and calm under pressure.

Your team

I knew I loved the energy of retail before I joined, but people arrive with no experience at all and M&S has nurtured that within myself and others. The pace is fast, the challenges keep coming and the development path is clear: everything that happens is helping to shape you as a manager. It is an amazing way to build a career and I do recommend it to friends, all the time.

JJ (She / Her) | Graduate Read full story

Originally, my end goal for the programme was to become a Team Manager, but thanks to all the hard work I’ve put in and the support of my managers, I’m proud to say that I will have achieved that by early next month. Now I need a new goal – I think I want to be a Deputy Store Manager by the end of January next year!

Estelle (She / Her) | School Leaver Read full story

Your career path_Retail leaders_graduates.png

Example career path

You’ll build a career as unique as you based on your skills and interests, but here is a common path that many colleagues in Retail make their own.

-Team Manager
-Deputy/ Store Manager
-Assistant International Franchise Partner Manager
-Trading Operations Manager
-Regional Manager

Learning & support

Your development is our priority. We’ll give you a structured programme including mentoring, on-the-job training, and opportunities to solve real challenges that will help you build a long-term career at M&S. And, if we believe you can reach your potential faster, we will give you the tools and opportunities to do it. But the person who is going to make this happen is you. With our support, we want you to own and drive your development.

Benefits

Wellbeing hub

Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back

Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay

Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount

20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third party branded products for you and one member of your household.
Time off

Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance

Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings

We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices

Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work

Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech

Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.

How to apply

We’ll provide reasonable adjustments during the interview process. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Application form

Your first step will be to complete our online application form and tell us more about who you are and why you want to work with us.

You can only apply to one graduate or school leaver programme during this recruitment cycle that starts in October 2023.

We close our vacancies on a rolling basis and closing dates may be subject to change. We encourage you to submit your full application as soon as possible.

Online assessment

We’ll invite you to take part in an online assessment, where you can find out more about M&S whilst we find out more about you.

Assessment stage

If your online assessment is successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre alongside your peers. The recruitment process for store-based roles will also include an opportunity to attend your final interview in one of our stores.