Retail Leaders School and College Leaver Scheme - Stoke (Wolstanton) - 2024

Job content

Summary

Learn to lead and see what it takes to manage one of our stores in our most exciting era yet. This is the next generation of retail.

All the details

About The Role

This programme has been designed to teach you how to manage a team, delight customers and inspire people, all whilst learning and developing yourself. And six months after starting the programme, if you choose to, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a Level 6 (degree equivalent) apprenticeship.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reckon you’ve got what it takes to lead? We do. This programme teaches you how to put a spark into our stores, gives first-hand insights into how we make them work and gives you the tools to do it yourself. The first 12 months, you’ll learn from the best in the business how to run one of our stores. You’ll see how our managers deal with the unpredictable challenges that come up every day whilst driving service and standards. This experience will give you insight into what your future in retail could entail. And six months after starting the programme, you’ll have the chance to complete a Level 6 apprenticeship. But here, we appreciate that further study isn’t for everyone. That’s why the apprenticeship qualification is optional. If you choose not to take part in the apprenticeship qualification, you’ll still have access to all the opportunities of the programme that will shape you into a great retail leader.

It’s a total immersion into what we do. You’ll learn what it takes to be a great leader, build on your people skills and retail knowledge, all while you learn our brand inside out. It’s an opportunity to see how we combine physical and digital to create unforgettable shopping experiences and how departments come together to make the M&S our customers love. Over the year, you’ll rotate through our different departments, including food, clothing and home and hospitality. The 2nd and 3rd year of the programme will see you progress into further leadership roles across different stores. And by the time you are ready to take on your first deputy management/ store management role, your programme won’t end there. We will continue to support you through next stage of your career. That could be taking on bigger stores, completing a rotation in another area of the business, or eventually working abroad at one of our international businesses which will give you the breadth to become the best retail leader possible.

What You’ll Need

If you choose to study the apprenticeship you will need good functional literacy and numeracy skills (A*-C/9-4 in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent). If you can demonstrate good literacy and numeracy skills but cannot provide evidence of a suitable qualification, you must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. You also need to have been a resident in the United Kingdom for at least the previous three years before the start of the programme or have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

What We Look For

We love enthusiastic people with a zest for learning. If you have a passion for retail, a customer-centric approach, and an interest in the commercial world, this role could be for you.

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.

Deputy Store Manager

Store Manager

Academy Manager

Regional Manager

Learning and support

Your development is our priority. This placement is tailored to give you the best possible start in retail management. Through a structured programme, mentoring, on-the-job training, and exposure to real challenges, you’ll develop the skills you need to build a long-term career in the industry.

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

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