GRADUATES
Graduates
Want to make the most of your talents? Well, you've come to the right place. Matalan will give you real responsibility from day one. We'll also give you the chance to learn from the very best. We're a retailer at the top of our game. Make it here, and you'll be able to make it anywhere.
Where you'll fit in
We're looking for bright and talented graduates to join us in a whole range of areas:
Buying
Getting 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.
Merchandising
In Merchandising, we work alongside Buyers to make sure all our new ranges prove a hit with 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.
Replenishment
Replenishment 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.
Design
Working across both fashion and homewares, our Design teams translate the requirements 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.
Finance
In 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.
Take our interactive quiz to find out which business area is right for you.
What we look for
It takes a certain sort of person to succeed at Matalan.
We're a fast-moving business. We need innovators, challengers, doers. Graduates who can think quickly on their feet and take responsibility for their actions. Who understand what the customer wants and how to make it happen. If you're energetic, commercially-minded and have a 2.1 degree or better, there could be a great future for you here.
What's in it for you?
Generous benefits are only part of the reward; it's the rapid career development our trainees really love. The majority of our graduates get promoted within two years of joining.
Pretty impressive, eh?
And if that wasn't enough, we're still growing - which means there'll be even more opportunities in the future.
Rewards & Benefits
We 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:
- 33 days' holiday including bank holidays
- 20% discount at all stores
- Life assurance
- Bonus scheme
- Private health care (for senior management)
Training & Development
There's no substitute for experience. So as a graduate here, you'll do most of your learning on the job. Working with some of the best professionals in the industry, you'll steadily develop your skills and master your craft. But at the same time, we'll make sure you're fully supported every step of the way.
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 realise 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. We also have an Open Learning Zone, which contains various self-study materials such as DVDs, CDs and books.
