Waitrose Retail Graduate Trainee - East/West Midlands Regions

Unlock Your Retail Leadership Potential: Waitrose Retail Graduate Programme (Scotland & North Region)

Are you an ambitious graduate with a passion for retail and a desire to lead? The Waitrose Retail Graduate Programme offers a unique 24-month journey designed to cultivate the next generation of shop leaders within the esteemed Waitrose & Partners brand. This programme is more than just a stepping stone; it's a comprehensive launchpad for a fulfilling career in retail management.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Shape Your Future: This programme is meticulously crafted for individuals who aspire to become Branch Managers. You will be guided, prepared, and supported at every stage to achieve this goal.
• Holistic Retail Immersion: Gain invaluable hands-on experience through structured rotational placements. You'll experience both core and convenience store models, as well as gain insights from central head office operations. This provides a truly comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape.
• Career Acceleration: By the end of the 24 months, you will be well-positioned to step into a Branch Manager role, ready to make a significant impact.
• Attractive Compensation & Benefits: A competitive salary range of £31,000 - £41,000 is offered. Additionally, a Night Premium of £4.50 per hour will be applied for any hours worked between 22:00 - 06:00, recognizing the commitment required for operational excellence.
• Be a Partner, Not Just an Employee: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be a co-owner. This unique model means you share in the rewards and responsibilities of the UK's largest employee-owned business, fostering a strong sense of belonging and collective success.
• Embrace Diversity and Growth: The Partnership is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. You'll be encouraged to grow both individually and as part of a collective, contributing to a happier world through brilliant retail.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Commitment to Development: This is a 2-year fixed-term contract, requiring dedication and a proactive approach to learning and development.
• Geographical Scope: The programme focuses on retail operations across Scotland and the North Region. While shop rotations will generally be within one hour of travel time or 30 miles of your home location, flexibility for field-based roles covering regions is essential.
• Work-Life Integration: Expect a dynamic rota that includes weekend working on a rotational basis, as well as potential early starts and late finishes. This is integral to gaining a full understanding of retail operations. The role is hybrid, with time split between shops and the Bracknell Head Office campus (up to one day a week during certain placements).
• Essential Qualifications: A genuine passion for grocery retail and customer experience is paramount. You should be working towards or have achieved an honours degree within the last 12 months (Graduates from 2025/2026). A curious, creative, and analytical mindset, coupled with strong communication skills, is vital.
• Desirable Attributes: Prior demonstrated leadership experience, project management skills, and strong networking abilities will further enhance your application.
• Application Timeline: The assessment dates are scheduled for Mid-January 2026, with applications closing on November 8, 2025. We encourage early applications as vacancies may close sooner due to high interest.

This programme is an exceptional opportunity for graduates eager to make a tangible impact in the retail sector. By joining the Waitrose Retail Graduate Programme, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a transformative career path within a purpose-driven, employee-owned organisation. If you're ready to lead, innovate, and grow, this could be the perfect next step for you.