#GRADUATE PROGRAMME
Lead teams in a fast-paced retail environment. Get first-hand experience as you learn how to run an M&S store with this structured programme designed to accelerate you into store leadership and build your resilience.
Salary starting from £32,500
Closing Date: 23/11/2025
Apply now
Lead teams in a fast-paced retail environment. Get first-hand experience as you learn how to run an M&S store with this structured programme designed to accelerate you into store leadership and build your resilience.
Discover more about what to expect on the Retail Leaders Graduate Programme, which skills can help you succeed and your career options after the placement ends.
This is a very competitive programme, so we may close applications earlier than advertised.
Future leadership. Regional responsibility. A long-term career. Wherever your ambitions lie within M&S, we’ll help you get there with structured learning and development, coaching and career mapping.
Here is what your career path on the programme will look like.
In the first few months, you’ll hit the ground running through our Customer Assistant immersion. You’ll learn the ropes and develop a solid understanding of our customers, which will form a strong foundation for your career at M&S. You’ll gain insight into operations behind the scenes and, most importantly, will be a key part of the M&S Christmas magic. By December, you’ll take the lead on a project in store that gives you real accountability, giving you the chance to make a tangible impact and build your confidence early in your journey with us.
You will then step into the role of Team Manager, leading and developing a team to support your store to run smoothly and effectively. Your role could be in any store within your allocated region, as different store sizes and formats offer varied experiences and breadth of learning.
Around 9 months into the programme, you’ll start to learn how to manage an entire store – during your training you will support the management of daily operations, deliver a regional project and strengthen your business knowledge across the board.
Towards the end of the programme, you’ll be getting used to consistently delivering as a Store Leader. You’ll lead your store team and have full responsibility for the effective running of your store.
We have big ambitions for your future and will support you on a development path that could see you stepping into a Regional Manager role or managing a full line/academy store as you progress in your career with us.
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.
We’ll provide reasonable adjustments during the assessment process. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.
This programme is all about mindset. You’ll need to be ambitious, have grit and determination, with leadership aspirations and a genuine enthusiasm for retail and customers. The ability to work and learn quickly, as well as communicate clearly are needed to build trust and relationships in your team.
You’ll also need:
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 September 2026.
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.
We’ll invite you to take part in a two-stage online assessment, where you can find out more about M&S whilst we find out more about you.
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.
