
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 Graduate Programme - Reading 2023
Run your store like a legend
Could you see yourself leading one of our innovative stores running million pound budgets, thousands of products and delivering an omni-channel retail strategy? Are you looking for a fast-paced, high-powered career? Step outside of the normal nine to five and join our Store Management Graduate Programme. Because it’s never too soon to think about your future legacy.
Over your first 12 months, learn to manage an entire store or department, inspire a team of passionate retail colleagues, and deliver success across a range of areas – like Food and Store Operations. You’ll even enjoy the opportunity to see how our stores are run, from supply chain through to the shop floor. It’s a big responsibility, and you’ll make an impact from day one, taking on your first management role within six months. This might seem daunting, but we’ll be with you every step of the way.
This programme is all about preparing you for a future role as Deputy Store Manager or Store Manager in one of our multimillion-pound stores. Through this preparation, we’ll teach you to craft meaningful and unique customer experiences. We’ll show you how to empower your team to exceed targets and put M&S on the map within your community. If you’re fast on your feet, ready to collaborate on a large scale, and have an analytical, calm and people-first mindset, you’re the future legend we’re after. Beyond your first year, you’ll already be able to effectively run a store or sales floor, which will open up numerous career options including the potential opportunity to work abroad in one of our international businesses.
No matter where you choose to take your ambitions within our diverse and global organisation, we’ll give you the experience, mentoring and guidance to succeed. In return, you’ll uphold the high standards our customers expect, drive technological in-store solutions, inspire our growth, and deliver a more effective and efficient way of working.
You don’t need a specific degree to apply for this programme, but you’ll need a passion for retail, a customer-centric approach and an interest in the commercial world.
Please note this job is closed. Register your interest here 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