This year the closing date for applications is the 28th February 2009. Our website is now open for applications. If you successfully pass the selection exercises you will be offered a position for September 2009 start. Therefore, in order not to miss out, it’s important that you apply online as quickly as possible.
We have 12 Retail Management Graduate vacancies on offer: three vacancies in each of our four zones.
We can only accept applications submitted through our online application system. If you have an issue which stops you from doing this, please contact our Graduate recruitment team on recruitment@somerfield.co.uk.
We hope that we have been able to answer all of your questions on this website. However, if you have any further questions, please contact our Graduate Recruitment Team on recruitment@somerfield.co.uk.
Firstly, we’ll ask you to complete an application form online. This covers your personal details and the key basic requirements for the scheme. If your application form meets our basic requirements, you’ll be invited to complete verbal and numerical reasoning tests online. If you successfully pass the benchmark for the tests, the next stage is a 30 minute telephone interview, covering 4 of our basic competencies. Finally, if you’re successful at telephone interview you’ll be invited to a selection event which will comprise of a number of exercises including a group exercise, interview and presentation.
September 2009.
We look for a minimum of a 2:2 from any degree discipline, plus a minimum of Grade C at English and Maths GCSE or equivalent.
No! Whether you graduated two or 20 years ago, if you can demonstrate the skills and qualities we’re after, we’ll welcome your application.
Unfortunately we can only accept applications from candidates who are able to confirm that they’re legally entitled to live and work in the UK. If you’re invited to a selection event, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Should you be made an offer of employment, we’ll conduct a Criminal Records check prior to you starting with us, and also ask you to supply several references.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this role we can only accept applications from candidates who hold a full, valid UK or European driving licence.
Somerfield is committed to equal opportunity in employment for all applicants irrespective of disability, age, race or sexual orientation. On your application form we’ll ask for any special requirements you may have because of disability so that we can make adjustments for you as appropriate.
We operate a comprehensive Religious Festival policy which covers leave and special arrangements for religious celebrations.
Graduates on our Retail Management scheme will be based in a store in one of our four geographical zones. We have three places available in each zone and we’ll ask you to specify your first and second choice on your application. Although we’ll do our best to place you in a store local to your home address (unless otherwise requested) a certain degree of flexibility may be required on your behalf.
We expect you to train and work in stores no more than 1 hour or a 50 mile round trip from your home. As such we do not offer relocation support.
Yes - probation is 12 weeks.
Our Retail Management scheme’s starting salary is £22,000. In addition, we offer you a £2,000 welcome payment on completion of your probation, plus 13 payments of £200 (made throughout your first year) to help you pay off your graduate loan or other expenses.
All our graduates are employed on a contract of 38 hours per week Monday to Sunday, with two days off and up to two late shifts. However, you’ll have a role with real responsibility from the beginning, so you must be flexible with regards to working hours - happy and willing to put in the additional hours when the role demands it!
Yes, you’re able to join our pension scheme from the day you’ve passed your probation.
This is very much dependent upon your ambition and ability. We’ll offer the opportunities to progress and develop according to the skills, knowledge and behaviours that you’re able to demonstrate.
From day one! We encourage ideas and initiatives from all of our colleagues. All our graduates are sponsored and mentored by key business leaders and you’ll be engaged on key business projects designed to make Somerfield better, simpler and faster.
All Graduates will attend a Graduate Induction at Support Centre and then a store-based induction programme at their training store.
We operate a made to measure training programme for all our graduates, building the right package of development and behavioural workshops according to your strengths and opportunities. In addition, you’ll receive detailed technical training necessary to complete your roles whilst on the programme.
You’ll be given real accountability as quickly as possible - with the opportunity to progress and develop according to your ability and aptitude. That means you’ll have exposure to lots of change and challenges, along with the opportunity to make a real impact on a rapidly changing and successful business.
It’s hard work and we demand complete commitment from day one. You’ll need to be able to juggle lots of priorities and take accountability for the decisions that you make in the face of a high volume of ever-changing challenges.
There are lots of opportunities for you to get together with other Graduates during your programme!
Your scheme is sponsored by all members of our Leadership Team and enjoys a high profile within the business. Our Graduates are engaged in key project work which will have a direct impact on the way we do business and serve our customers.