Retail Management Graduate Programme in Southampton

International. Sport enthusiasts. Collaborative team members. Stronger together through our driving force to move people through the wonders of sport. At Decathlon UK and Ireland, we offer Careers That Let You Play. As part of the DECATHLON Group, one of the world's largest sports retailers headquartered in France, we specialise in creating sport products and distributing them through online and physical stores across 56 countries with over 1,700 locations. With over 45+ stores in the UK, our mission is to be the spirited cheerleaders of sports and healthier living in the nation!

Program Structure

As a Decathlon Graduate Trainee, you'll be at the heart of our dynamic team, bringing energy, and enthusiasm, and igniting a love for sports through every customer interaction. You'll really make a difference every step of the way, influencing your team, your customers, and where the future of sport is heading. Get ready for a challenging, super fast-paced experience with a steep learning curve—this programme is designed for people who are always looking to grow.

From Month 1 to 3: Mastering the foundations

Upon crossing the starting line, you will begin as a Decathlon Sport Advisor to learn about Decathlon through a deeper lens and understand the fundamentals of the Company such as our values, culture, and overall strategy. You’ll master:

• Our Culture: You will learn our company values and purpose, followed by a comprehensive introduction to your store.
• Customer Excellence: Engaging with our community on the shop floor.
• Operational Standards: Deliveries, stock management, and layout optimisation.

At Decathlon, we believe that the greatest leaders are doers and so the mastery of the fundamentals will be integral in your success within the project!

From Month 4: Stepping into Management

Once you’ve mastered the shop floor’s rhythm, you’ll step up as Duty Manager while beginning your introduction to Department Management. Here, your focus expands from your specific department to the entire store ecosystem. As Duty Manager, you are the "Captain of the Shift," responsible for:

• Safety & Security: Ensuring a safe environment for every teammate and customer; acting as the first point of call for emergencies.
• The Customer Pulse: Managing store flow and ensuring our signature "Gilet Behavior" is consistent from entrance to checkout.
• Live Decision-Making: Making the "game-time" calls—shifting resources in real-time to keep the store performing at its peak.

You will also begin your transition into Department Management by learning:

• Talent & Culture: How to recruit, onboard, and motivate your own team.
• Commercial Dynamism: An introduction to P&L management, economic analysis, and sales drivers.

From month 6: Your journey to becoming a Department Manager

Now that you’ve mastered the playground, you’ll begin your transition into Department Management. This stage is where you move from supporting a team to owning a business perimeter. Your responsibilities include:

• Commercial Dynamism: Managing your P&L, analysing economic performance, and driving sales growth.
• Strategic Planning: Crafting long-term missions for your department and mapping.
• Human Capital: Recruiting and developing your teammates into the leaders of tomorrow.
• Layout Mastery: Optimising your sales floor to create an immersive, high-performance shopping experience.

From teammate to business driver—this is where your leadership comes to life. You’ll learn to balance human management with commercial results.

The highlights of the programme

• Comprehensive Training: Receive in-depth training on our products, brand philosophy, and customer-centric approach.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals who are passionate about sport and retail.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with local and international industry experts and fellow sports enthusiasts at workshops, events, and conferences.
• Career Development: Gain valuable skills and experience that will open doors for future opportunities within our company and beyond.

The player we’re looking for:

At Decathlon, we all play to win and your development is no game to us. To succeed in this program, we will need you to:

• Have a genuine passion for sports and a desire to share that passion with others.
• Be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with a diverse group of teammates.
• Thrive in a dynamic and high-paced team environment.
• Play with a team and have the willingness to learn and adapt.
• Adapt or have a proactive and can-do attitude.
• Demonstrate leadership skills.

Perks waiting for you:

• Play your favourite sport regularly. This is a passion-meets-profession opportunity!
• Up to 28 days holiday with the option to carry over a maximum of five days each year.
• Healthy employee discount on all Decathlon products.
• 24/7 Mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme.
• Gym, food, and travel discounts.
• Intensive training and development opportunities.
• … and many more.