
Department vision Retail
"The vision for retail is straightforward; it’s about creating a remarkable omnichannel shopping experience every day. However our customers shop with us, whether in store, online, or with click and collect, our customers expect it to be simple and seamless. Our customers expect brilliant standards and service. We look to our store colleagues to embrace the digital experience. Our people are our greatest asset and are the very heart of our business. We want you to reach your potential, with pathways to help you thrive. No matter what your journey looks like, it's our job to help you find your way."
Helen Milford, Stores Director
Retail Management School Leaver Programme -Fosse Park 2023
September 2023
Legends of tomorrow give retail a makeover
Want to be part of an evolution? To take advantage of our decades-long experience in retail and reimagine your future? Put the spark into our stores and join us on our Retail Management School Leaver Programme. Because it’s never too soon to think about your future legacy.
Across 12 months, you’ll join one of our Academy stores, learning from retail pros about how our network of stores operates. From supply chain to the shop floor, see how a future with us will shape your skills in management – as well as the way we work as a business. Here, you can learn all about our branding, how we deliver a seamless online and in-store experience for customers, as well as how our many departments come together to form the exciting world of M&S retail.
On this programme, you’ll not only learn about our historic business – but you’ll also gain hands-on exposure, rotating around each area of our stores including Food, Clothing & Home and Store Operations. Manage multimillion-pound budgets, train to be a legendary leader, push yourself to your full potential, and collaborate with a team of people who want you to be at your best.
By the time your first 12 months are over, you’ll be ready to take on your first management role. You could even apply to join our Degree Apprenticeship Programme at one of our partner universities. No matter which route you choose, you always have our unwavering support and guidance.
We’re looking for legends who have a passion for retail, a customer-centric approach and an interest in the commercial world. Sound like you?
Please note this job is closed. You can sign up for a job alert below. M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact. We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.
Where I started
Today’s graduate; tomorrow’s legend. Many of our more senior colleagues and leaders started out in early careers positions. Some of whom follow a linear career path, many used their experiences and skills to move elsewhere in the business. Just know that you’ll be supported to follow the path you choose to carve for yourself, whatever that may be.
An example of a career path within Retail could be:
- Team Support Manager
- Team Manager
- Deputy Store Manager
- Store Manager
Application Guidance
Legends seize the chance to use their strengths every day. That’s why we’re looking to see what makes you tick through the following assessment stages:
- An online assessment taking approximately 45 minutes, focusing on your individual strengths
- An on-demand video interview
- A final assessment stage; either at an assessment centre attended alongside peers, or a final interview
We’ll support anyone who requires reasonable adjustments to their application process – just let us know before the assessments start.
Some technical programmes may ask you to complete a short numerical reasoning test or a coding assessment. And most of our assessments are untimed, but we’ll make you aware of any timed elements in advance.
As a tip, avoid overly rehearsing your responses, especially for your video interview. We want you to be bold, be different, and be you.
Our Benefits
Pay
Our salaries are competitive and reviewed every year
Colleague discount
Receive 20% discount in-store and online for you and a member of your household
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Bonus
We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance
Life assurance
Cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan)
Workplace Savings
Helping you to 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
Health and Wellbeing
Resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support favourite charities - donate through your pay or even volunteer for them