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 and Distribution
- 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 of joining the scheme 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.
