Business Management

Induction

Your first week will be a thorough introduction to The Co-operative Group. We’ll share our plans and future ambitions, while you’ll be assigned a previous graduate as a ‘buddy’ and meet managers at every level. You’ll also start building your network of contacts and discover more about our business functions.

Customer Placement

You can’t understand our business without understanding our customers. In this placement you will be asked to investigate a customer related issue as a cohort of graduates, making recommendations for improvement that will be presented to senior managers. During the course of your research you’ll spend time in our retail outlets and meet our customers face to face. The results of your work could have far-reaching implications across our stores.

Business Projects

Throughout the programme, you’ll move through a series of live business projects, across a range of business functions. 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.

Learning & Development Reviews

After each project, we’ll review your performance and progress. We believe it’s important to take time out and reflect on what you’ve achieved, and how you’ve developed.

Management Development Programmes

Starting with feedback from your assessment centre, your development path will draw together every aspect of your learning, from technical skills training to leadership skills, managing and driving change. Essentially everything you'll need to take the business forward. You will have a wide range of support including a mentor, a personal development plan and all the support we can offer to enable you to drive your career.

Business Role

By now, you will be ready for the challenges of a role within your chosen business area. We will work with you to ensure that this is the right opportunity, whichever direction you choose.