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- Tasks: Join a two-year programme to develop your retail management skills and lead a store.
- Company: ASDA, a forward-thinking retailer focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 15% off shopping, flexible pay options, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in retail management with real responsibilities and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Open to all graduates; no specific degree or prior experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic placements across Kent & Essex with potential for rapid career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Canterbury
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent Graduate (Fixed Term)
Hours per Week: 45
Salary: Competitive salary
Category: Store Management
Closing Date: 10 January 2026
Overview
ASDA is committed to growth and innovation. The 2026 Retail Graduate Programme has been developed with current store managers and aims to prepare graduates to become retail leaders of the future. The programme offers responsibility for a store and opportunities to progress through placements within your region, taking on more accountability every six months.
Responsibilities
- Participate in a two-year retail graduate programme with a series of placements across your region to develop store management skills.
- Take on increasing responsibility, including managing rota planning and holidays, and addressing management issues such as disciplinary matters and grievances.
- Progress toward becoming a store manager of the future, with potential to move into an operations manager role in a large store or to manage an express store after two years.
Qualifications & Requirements
- We are not restricting by degree; graduates with the right attitude and a desire for a larger, better career are welcome. Prior work or retail experience is not required.
- A valid driving license is preferred but not essential.
- All candidates must have the continuous right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not provided for graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
Application Process
- A short, blended personality and numerical assessment
- Three quick video interview questions
- A half-day assessment centre to meet the team and learn more about the programme
- If successful, join ASDA in September 2026. Applications may close before the deadline, so please register your interest promptly.
Benefits
- Colleague discount: 15% off shopping at Asda from day 1 for you and a nominated user
- Discounts on Asda services (mobile, pharmacy, opticians, loans, insurance, travel, tyres, breakdown cover)
- Wagestream: flexible pay, income tracker and financial coaching
- Company pension
- Wellbeing support: 24/7 virtual GP, EAP, free counselling and legal support
- Asda Allies Inclusion Networks to foster inclusion
- Parental leave policies including maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave and fertility support
- Colleague recognition programme
- Special offers across services and activities
Note: This description reflects the information provided about the role and programme. All content is for information purposes and may be updated by ASDA.
Retail Graduate Manager - Kent & Essex in London employer: ASDA
Contact Detail:
ASDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Graduate Manager - Kent & Essex in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Research ASDA's values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your responses in interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable answering those tricky questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership potential and problem-solving abilities. This is your chance to show them you’re the future retail leader they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates on the programme and any tips we have to help you succeed.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Graduate Manager - Kent & Essex in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and share your passion for retail and leadership.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Retail Graduate Manager role. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to our programme!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASDA
✨Know Your Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Retail Graduate Programme at ASDA. Understand its structure, the responsibilities you'll take on, and how it prepares you for future roles. This shows your genuine interest and helps you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Attitude
Since prior retail experience isn't required, focus on demonstrating your positive attitude and eagerness to learn. Prepare examples from your past that highlight your adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial in a retail environment.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Get ready for the blended personality and numerical assessments. Brush up on basic maths and practice personality tests online. Being well-prepared will help you feel more confident and perform better during the interview process.
✨Engage with the Team
During the assessment centre, make an effort to engage with the team. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the programme. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
