Ask away
1. What type of work will I be doing?
This will be a little dependent on which programme you join – the Business Management or the Finance programme.
Business Management programme: You will have challenging and real project objectives to deliver against, which may be part of a wider change project or stand-alone. Your project could be based in any part of our organisation and the kinds of projects you could work on are as broad ranging as our businesses, so there’s no typical example. But, whatever projects you are assigned they will provide you with an opportunity to influence and contribute to transforming and modernising the business.
Examples of the types of projects you may work on include:
- The trial and development of new retail brands and formats
- The procurement, development and launch of a new product
- Establishing new systems, processes and platforms for our business
- Driving greater diversity in our membership profile
- Development and modernisation of the supply chain
Finance programme: Like the Business Management programme you’ll be given a real project with clearly defined responsibilities, allowing you to develop an in-depth understanding of the key aspects of the role that finance plays within business. You’ll undertake placements spanning the length and breadth of the Group, giving you exposure to a variety of Co-operative businesses. At the same time, it allows you to experience a range of departments within the finance function, from internal audit and financial accounts to business planning and business support – not to mention a variety of specialist areas such as tax and treasury.
2. What does the programme involve?
Business Management programme: It involves a series of projects, designed to grow in complexity and profile across our business. The key elements are an induction project, a customer insight project (where you’ll spend time in one of our customer-facing outlets, developing your understanding of our customers and investigating a customer-facing issue for the business), three business projects and finally a functional project in your specialist area. Following each project you’ll have an individual learning and development review, designed for you to reflect on what you have learnt, gain feedback from your manager and build your personal development plan. Between projects there’s also a formal management development week, which will focus on the behaviours you need to become a leader stretch, challenge and fully prepare you for your next project.
Finance programme: This is a three-year programme that is CIMA-accredited. You will start by working on accounting software and gaining an overview of financial processes, before moving on to preparing monthly accounts. You’ll also sharpen your commercial awareness by working with external suppliers such as auditors, and you’ll brief senior managers, which will help you refine your influence skills. All of this should give you a broad perspective on financial strategy, plus experience with specialisms such as tax, internal audit, strategic planning and strategy. Graduates have recently experienced the preparation of corporate strategic plans, a tax reclaim project and the redesign of regional board reports.
3. Will I get to pick my projects?
On our Business Management programme, to a large extent yes. When sourcing projects for graduates to work on, our team writes to the businesses and corporate functions to request submissions. These are then scored according to their stretch, visibility, business impact, feedback from graduates (who’ve worked in the same teams previously) and the potential for development. Once this has been completed, you’ll meet with our other graduates and decide between yourselves who will take on which project. Often many graduates automatically receive their first choice because nobody else has requested the same, but if there’s competition, you’ll take the decisions for yourselves as a group. In the case of the Finance programme, there’s much more emphasis on the specific requirements of the CIMA programme, but we do endeavour to provide choice wherever possible.
4. How long is the programme?
The Business Management programme is 18 months long; the Finance programme is three years.
5. I am passionate about food retail/travel/other. Can I choose to just work in this business?
The programme is Group-wide, and you’ll need to complete projects in different businesses rather than being restricted to just one. However, if you have a real passion and flair for a particular business we’ll certainly consider opportunities for you to utilise this. What’s more, through our tailored personal development planning process we can work with you to ensure you’ll have the skills required to progress in that area after you leave the programme.
6. What training & development will I receive?
You’ll receive intensive, individual development. During and after each project you’ll undertake a personal and in-depth learning and development review, which will be followed by a management development programme. These programmes will focus on building core management skills, such as working strategically, leadership, and introducing and driving change. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a postgraduate or professional qualification, which we will support by paying course and textbook fees as well as facilitating study and exam leave.
7. Are mentoring programmes available?
Yes, you’ll be given the opportunity to have a senior manager as a mentor.
8. Will I be on a ‘fast track’ for promotion?
The graduate programme is designed to give you excellent development, support, and high-profile project opportunities in the business, enabling advanced development into future management roles. We do not map your long-term career development or fit you into predetermined career paths. This allows for excellent flexibility, breadth, scope and advancement if you have the tenacity and ability to drive your own career development within the Group.
9. What benefits & salary will I receive?
Please see Rewards and benefits for full details.
10. How will my salary increase?
Business Management programme: If you consistently achieve your project objectives there is potential to increase your salary by up to £2,000 within twelve months. When you complete the programme, the role you move into will depend on your performance. On average, graduates increase their salary by a further £3,000.
Finance programme: If you consistently achieve your objectives and your CIMA exams your salary will rise by £2,000 per year, rising to £34,000 upon completion of the programme.
11. How do I apply?
There are four stages. The first is an online application form; the second involves online psychometric tests; the third is a face-to-face interview and the final stage is an assessment centre. The application form stage is very competitive and we would encourage you to take your time to show us why you are different and right for our programme.
12. How many graduates are you taking on?
We’re looking for about 20 exceptional graduates (4 for the CIMA programme).
13. How many people apply?
It’s difficult to know exactly how many people will apply this year but we are expecting about 2,000 applications. We’ll meet about 150 of these people for an interview and about 60 of those people will be invited to an assessment centre. The application form stage is very competitive and we would encourage you to take your time to show us why you are different and right for our programme.
14. What is the closing date?
We will close when we fill all of our vacancies, because we want our recruitment process to be as flexible as possible. In light of this, please don’t delay your application.
15. When would I start work?
The programme starts in mid-September each year.
16. Where will I be based?
In our Head Offices, in and around the Greater Manchester area. You may also be required to undertake placements in Burslem or Bristol during the programme and undertake some national travel.
17. Would I get help with relocation or housing if I needed it?
If you are relocating from outside of Manchester you may be eligible for financial support. This would be discussed with you when an offer is made.
18. Do I need to drive?
A driving licence isn’t part of our selection criteria, however you may find the role easier if you drive.
19. What are you looking for?
Of course we’re looking for the brightest and best graduates, like all recruiters, but we’re also looking for something different. It’s not just about academic ability – as a graduate on our development programme you will need to have a unique mix of skills and behaviours. You’ll share our values and principles and be passionate about our business. The programme isn’t for everyone. The challenges the business will throw at you will mean you have to be confident, tenacious, resilient and flexible. And while early responsibility and a high profile are exciting prospects, it won’t be easy to earn the credibility and respect that you’ll need to make an impact.
20. Are there any restrictions by degree discipline?
Graduates of any degree discipline can apply, although a business-related degree would be advantageous.
21. How does this differ from last year’s graduate programme?
There are only a few minor changes to the programme this year but it’s essentially the same. In 2005, we developed an entirely new graduate development programme for The Co-operative. Not only do we have a unique business model, but the programme structure offers something altogether different in terms of: the project approach, the individual learning review, the new management development programmes, the change focus, the type of projects and roles you’ll be working in. We’re offering you the opportunity to work across the range of our diverse businesses and corporate functions, giving you much greater business knowledge, breadth and scope for your personal and career development.
22. Are there undergraduate placements and work experience available?
Yes, please see Our Work Placements for full details.
23. Is the programme/salary any different if I already have a post-graduate qualification i.e. Masters?
The programme is open to those with post-graduate qualifications. However, the content of the programme and the salary we offer will be the same for everyone.
24. Are there any opportunities for international travel or use of languages?
As we are a UK-based co-operative it is unlikely that we would be able to offer these opportunities. If this is important to you it’s unlikely we are right for you.
25. Will I have the opportunity to mix with different management levels?
Absolutely! You’ll meet managers from all over our business from your first interview onwards: during the assessment centre, in your first week, at networking events, through your development programme, on your projects and through your mentor.
26. Can you take a break at the end of the programme before you take a permanent role?
We currently offer career breaks or sabbaticals in exceptional circumstances only.
27. Am I guaranteed a permanent role at the end of the programme?
Our recruitment process is rigorous and if we make you an offer we’ll be certain that you are right for us. You’ll be offered a permanent role from day one.
28. Do I need a Work Permit to apply?
Yes. The Co-operative Group does not arrange work permits for international applicants. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to work for us.
29. Is age important in my application?
No. The Co-operative Group is an employer that values diversity and seeks to engage our people regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, age, physical ability, mental impairment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, education or caring responsibilities, among other attributes. The Co-operative Group’s programme has been highlighted as best practice for recruiting and developing mature graduates by the AGR (Association of Graduate Recruiters), the EFA (Employers Forum on Age) and Prospects.
30. How do you support people with disabilities?
The Co-operative Group will make any reasonable adjustments to support people with disabilities throughout the application process and after joining the business.
31. Can I apply now and defer my start date?
No. We only invite a limited number of people to assessment centre, in order that we can get to know each candidate very well. This means that we do not have space on each assessment centre for candidates who wish to apply for the following year.