Matalan

Real ProgressionThe speed at which our business operates makes this a very challenging environment. But you can also expect all the support you need to rise to those challenges – and to take on new ones. Last year we promoted around 350 people at various levels across the business and, of the 100 graduates we’ve recruited in the last two years, some 60% have been promoted to the next level. So if you've got talent and ambition, we'll help you to make the most of it.As soon as you join us, you'll have a full induction to introduce you to the way we do things. From there, we'll work with you to identify a route that will help you to achieve your goals and optimise your potential. Initially, you’ll probably make most use of our Core Development Workshops. Aimed at all levels, these workshops run throughout the year and cover a wide range of topics and skills.As your career with us progresses, you’ll be able to take advantage of a whole host of training schemes including our Starting Out Programme, which is aimed at managers who lead a small team, and our Stretching Up Programme, targeted at managers who’ve progressed to running larger teams. We also have an Open Learning Zone, which contains various self-study materials such as DVDs, CDs and books.Although there's no formal graduate programme at Matalan, we do regularly recruit graduates into a number of Trainee Head Office positions in five core areas – Merchandising, Replenishment, Finance, Buying and Design. We also have some opportunities in Logistics, Legal and Corporate Purchasing. These are real jobs, with immediate start dates, where you'll have a mixture of formal training and on-the-job learning. And as with all parts of Matalan, you'll progress as soon as you're ready. Real RewardsWe expect 100% from our people – and we give nothing less in return. On top of a decent salary, you'll enjoy a benefits package that ranks among the best in the industry. One that includes:    * From 25 days holiday    * 20% discount at all stores     * Life assurance    * Bonus scheme    * Private health care (for senior management) Real LifeSo what's it like to work here? In a word: fast. High volume at low prices means regular deliveries of new products have to be kept moving through our stores. And changing circumstances can mean having to adapt our strategy at short notice. Head Office is the nerve centre of our UK operations, and we need people who thrive in a pressurised commercial environment.Our business is constantly evolving and we need people who can think on their feet. We're always looking at ways to boost sales and enhance efficiency. Which is why if you have an idea about how we can improve the way we do things, we're ready to listen. The question is, are you ready to take the initiative? What makes us differentMatalan is about simple, no-nonsense retailing. High volume at low prices means we have to keep product moving quickly through the store at all times. Deliveries are the engine of our business; we work our space hard on the shop floor; and we get the money in the till. Simple.Once you've grasped those fundamentals and know them inside out: that's when it starts to get really interesting. We'll look to you for new ideas about how to make our business more productive. Where many retailers will expect you to work to a predetermined list of instructions – we'll expect you to think for yourself. BuyingGetting fantastic products into our stores takes a lot of hard work, and our Buyers are involved in the whole process – from initial design through to overseas sourcing and negotiations. Part of our work is about translating the latest designer products into high street trends, so as well as being in touch with what's happening on the catwalk, you need to be able to make disciplined, commercial decisions. MerchandisingIn Merchandising, we work alongside Buyers to make sure all the ranges they work on are a hit with our customers. It’s down to us to analyse previous seasons and to report on the current season's lines. We also look at space planning and generally act as a Buyer's conscience to make sure the decisions we make together will deliver both volume and profit. ReplenishmentReplenishment is all about making sure every store has the right stock levels at the right time. Working closely with Merchandising, it’s down to us to make accurate sales forecasts and to identify any opportunities to increase our sell-through rates. Our exact responsibilities vary from pre-season planning through to in-season stock management and end-of-season analysis. DesignWorking across both fashion and homewares, our Design teams translate the requirements that come from Buying and Merchandising into smart design solutions. We have to think about price and quality, but we also consider coordination with other ranges throughout the store. And we work closely with Marketing to choose products for photoshoots and mailers. FinanceIn Finance, we look at what's going on across the business and assess how that affects the bottom line. We like developing our people and promoting from within, so we tend to recruit into junior levels. We also encourage people to experience different roles within the department to help them see the bigger picture. Other areas The size and scale of our business means we have all sorts of different roles – and our needs can vary. So although we most often recruit into the five core areas we’ve covered here, we also have other opportunities. For example, we might have roles in Legal, Logistics and Corporate Purchasing. 

As a Graduate Trainee at Matalan, you will take on real responsibilities from day one. That's why we are looking for bright and ambitious people with a degree that compliments a career in Finance, Replenishment, Merchandising, Buying or Design.  In a business as fast-paced as ours, we can't afford to work to rigid systems and processes. We have to stay flexible and responsive, which is why we need people who can react quickly and think on their feet. People who are bursting with new ideas about how we can improve the way we do things. Who understand what customers need and how different parts of the business contribute to making that happen. If that sounds like you, then we should have a department, and a role, to suit you. You'll need at least a 2:1 degree, and certain degree subjects will be beneficial.