Business Profile

With 16 different businesses, 4,500 outlets, 73,000 people, and a turnover of £9 billion a year The Co-operative Group can offer you a graduate experience with unrivalled commercial exposure.

 

We’re not just a food retailer but also a travel provider, a funeral director, a pharmacist, a legal services provider, and much more. But the real difference lies not just in what we do. It’s what we are – a co-operative, and the world’s largest consumer co-operative at that. It’s an altogether different business model, where everything we do is for the benefit of our customers and the community as a whole. We’re driven by our social goals and our co-operative values give us a positive advantage – for instance, we already sell more Fairtrade products than any other high-street retailer. The Co-operative Group is where commercial ambition and ethical principles meet.

 

For graduates who want to pursue a rewarding career without compromising their values, we offer two programmes: Business Management and Finance. Both provide a great all-round benefits package and both are uniquely structured.

 

Vacancy 1

Job Title: Project Officer

 

Location

Manchester with some regional project work

 

Type of Work

Full Time, permanent

 

Salary

£23,000 plus discretionary bonus

 

Job Description

For graduates who want to pursue a rewarding career without compromising their values, we offer a Business Management programme that lasts 18 months. During this time, you’ll play a key role in shaping the business by working on high profile change initiatives spanning the length and breadth of our businesses. Whether you are launching a new product or leading a project to improve our supply chain, our programme will give you essential business, professional and industry knowledge. In short, everything you need to become a future leader at The Co-operative Group. We allow you to choose the business critical projects that you work on, so you are able to drive your career to achieve your ambitions.

 

You’ll also have the opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification and we’ll ensure you have the support you need by providing a structured management development programme that includes support from a senior mentor and a buddy. On top of that, you’ll be given a lump sum to spend on your own self-development needs.   

 

Requirements

• Minimum of 2:2 or equivalent in any degree discipline
• Possess a minimum of grade ‘B’ or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English

 

Closing Date

July 2009

 

Application details:

On line application form on our website www.altogetherdifferent.com

 

 

Vacancy 2

Job Title: Finance Projects Officer

 

Location

Manchester with some regional project work

 

Type of Work

Full Time, permanent

 

Salary

£23,000 plus discretionary bonuses

 

Job Description

For graduates who want to pursue a rewarding career without compromising their values, we offer a CIMA-accredited Finance programme. This is split into four 9-month placements, where you’ll carry out a series of live projects, across our different businesses. You’ll not only gain a broad understanding of how we operate – you’ll also be exposed to some of our most critical change projects. As you progress through the programme, you’ll learn how to lead projects, manage stakeholders, engage in successful negotiation, and respond to the immense challenges of change. Your experience will be tailored to satisfy the CIMA requirements so you’ll cover everything from management accounting to business strategy.

Due to the CIMA examination requirements, this programme will last for 3 years. Throughout that time we’ll provide full support for you to achieve your professional qualification, including paid study leave for exams, textbook contribution and expenses. You’ll also have a senior manager from the finance team acting as your personal mentor, who can offer you impartial advice and coaching outside of your reporting line. On top of that, you’ll have a personal development plan and a ‘buddy’ to provide support through your induction and exams.

 

Requirements

•  Minimum of 2:2 or equivalent in any degree discipline
• Possess a minimum of grade ‘B’ or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English

Closing Date

July 2009

Application details:

On line application form on our website www.altogetherdifferent.com