Retail Graduate Trainee Scheme

Retail Graduate Trainee Scheme

Application Deadline: 6 December 2026

Department: Retail Graduate Scheme

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Field Base - Graduate Scheme

Compensation: £27,000 / year

Description

Build your career with a business that plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and customers across the UK.

Our 12-month Retail Graduate Trainee Programme is designed for graduates who are eager to develop a broad understanding of how a diverse and dynamic business operates. Through a rotational programme of placements, you'll gain hands on experience across a range of commercial, operational and customer focused functions, developing the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful career within the business.

From day one, you'll be involved in meaningful projects, working alongside experienced colleagues and industry specialists while gaining exposure to areas including retail operations, procurement, marketing, logistics, manufacturing, credit control and commercial support functions. You'll develop a strong understanding of how these teams work together to deliver exceptional service to our customers and support the wider business.

As a business with deep roots in the Southwest, we're looking for graduates who are excited to build a long term career within the region. This programme is designed to develop future talent for a variety of commercial, operational and leadership opportunities across the business.

Whether your ambitions lie in retail management, procurement, marketing, commercial support or wider business operations, this programme will help you discover where your strengths and interests can take you.

About The Role

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Hours of Work: Working Monday to Friday

• Participate in structured placements across key areas of the business.
• Support commercial, operational and customer focused projects.
• Develop an understanding of how different departments contribute to business performance and customer satisfaction.
• Analyse business information and market trends to support decision making.
• Build relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers and external partners.
• Contribute ideas and bring a fresh perspective to business challenges and opportunities.
• Support business improvement initiatives and departmental objectives.
• Take ownership of your development and actively engage with learning opportunities throughout the programme.
• Represent the business professionally and always uphold our values.
• Complete programme objectives and projects within agreed timescales.

About You

• Degree qualified (or expecting to graduate) in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Agriculture, Economics or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• A genuine interest in retail, commercial operations and customer experience.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• An enthusiastic, curious and proactive approach to learning.
• Commercial awareness and a desire to understand how businesses operate.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to different working environments.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel to different business locations throughout the programme.

What We Offer

• Competitive graduate salary.
• Structured 12-month development programme.
• Exposure to a wide range of commercial, operational and customer focused functions.
• Mentoring and support from experienced colleagues and business leaders.
• Opportunities to build your professional network across the business.
• Clear pathways into permanent career opportunities following successful completion of the programme.
• The opportunity to build a long term career within a successful and growing business.
• Scottish Widows contributory pension - company will match up to 5%
• Up to 25% colleague discount in store
• Free parking on site
• 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays (pro rated for part time colleagues)
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Plenty of career progression opportunities
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme with Retail Trust
• Comprehensive colleague benefits
• Enhanced Family Leave Policies