Working in the Retail Industry
The retail industry is a business at the sharp end. Fast moving and complex, high profile and constantly changing, it is an environment where only the best managed and most innovative organisations can succeed and thrive.
This young and dynamic setting provides the backdrop for a diverse range of demanding and highly rewarding management trainee opportunities for school leavers and graduates and requires a range of different qualities and skills.
Retail Operations
Strong competition, changes in consumer lifestyles and extended opening hours are all helping to change the face of retailing. Retail managers must be innovative in their control of the retail environment, making sure it is appropriate to their customer profile, and taking the initiative in local marketing activity.
They are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the very highest standards of customer service by recruiting, training and developing their staff. From customer enquiries to staff interviews you will be called upon to communicate effectively with a wide range of people every day. Good retail managers are flexible and have the mental agility to switch between day - to - day decisions and strategic issues such as competitor analysis and market research.
Training
Retail Trainee Programmes vary from company to company. At Arcadia Group Ltd. we offer a challenging mix of on-the-job experience and structured development. Accompanied with a variety of placement opportunities both in retail operations and in head office functions.
Training will be competency based and your progress through these core skills and on to greater responsibility is down to you. Programmes usually last from 1 to 2 years and with drive, commitment and ability you can usually achieve promotion in less than a year. Fast-track training will develop your management competencies to build your business and personal strengths whilst enabling you to add real value to the business.
Entry Qualifications
Opportunities exist for school leavers with A Levels or equivalent, Industrial Placement students and Graduates. Most degree disciplines are accepted and energy and personality will go a long way in the recruitment process. Whatever your ambitions you will need a good academic record, commercial flair and plenty of enthusiasm.
Rewards
Salaries range from £10,000-£14,000 for school leavers and £15,000 to £20,000 for graduates. Additional benefits may include bonus schemes, company discount and pension.
What Next?
A career in retailing is exciting and fast paced. It can offer a variety and breadth of opportunity that is hard to match anywhere else.
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