Scheme Timeline
Although the training you receive will be flexible and tailored to your individual needs, there is a general structure to the John Lewis Graduate Retail Management Scheme:
- You’ll start with a six-week induction within one of our branches, getting to understand the basic workings of a branch and how we function
- You will then start working as a Section Manager, assisting and deputising for the Department Manager. In this important role, you’ll lead the team and maximise the sales and profits of a department. Where possible, you’ll work on two separate departments within your first branch and you will be leading and managing teams during some of the crucial times of our trading year
- You’ll then spend time in our Head Offices in Victoria, London, to gain an insight into the central functions supporting our department stores. These include Buying, Distribution and John Lewis Direct, our internet and mail order business
- After this you’ll attend a week-long residential outdoor leadership course
- You’ll then move to a second branch as a Section Manager to further develop your skills and show that you are capable of running your own selling department
- Within 12-18 months you should be aiming to reach Department Manager level
Department Managers in John Lewis are responsible for the sales and profit of a department and for the happiness and performance of their Partners. It’s very much like running your own shop, as you could be responsible for a £multi-million annual sales turnover and a team of around 30 Partners. Succeed in this and you’ll have every opportunity to reach senior branch management level and beyond.
