At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our graduate programme and choose from three exciting pathways in Retail Ops, L&D, or Head Office.
- Company: VPZ, the UK's leading vape retailer with over 190 locations and a commitment to growth.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and a chance to make an impact from day one.
- Other info: Drivers licence required; ideal for proactive individuals eager to learn and collaborate.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with real opportunities for progression.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in Business, Management, or related fields with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About us
VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer. Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to over 190 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there. We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow our team.
About the Role
Our Graduate vacancies offer three distinct career pathways within our Retail and Head Office environments. These roles provide a strong foundation for a successful career by giving you a genuine chance of progression, professional development, and the opportunity to make an impact from day one.
Choose Your Pathway
- Pathway 1: Retail Operations - Edinburgh
Work directly with senior retail leadership to translate data into actionable business strategies. You will combine data analysis with day to day operational support to help highlight opportunities for store performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities: Analyse retail performance data, produce regular reports and dashboards, monitor KPIs, and provide data driven recommendations to enhance sales and efficiency.
Ideal For: Business, Economics, or Data Analytics graduates with strong Excel skills and a curious mindset focused on commercial trends. Drivers licence required. - Pathway 2: Learning & Development - Kilmarnock
Launch a career in training and people development. You will play a key role in ensuring our retail teams have the skills and knowledge to excel, helping drive a culture of continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
Key Responsibilities: Support onboarding, assist with creating engaging e-learning and workshop content, identify store development needs, and track training effectiveness.
Ideal For: Graduates with a strong interest in HR, training, or retail management who possess creative content design ideas and excellent presentation skills. Drivers licence required. - Pathway 3: Head Office Operations - Edinburgh
Gain a broad, cross functional understanding of how a fast paced business operates. This pathway offers rotational exposure across multiple support departments, providing an ideal foundation for future leadership.
Key Responsibilities: Support day to day operations, coordinate marketing campaigns, handle maintenance logistics across the estate, and support customer service initiatives.
Ideal For: Adaptable, highly organised graduates looking for a versatile role with exposure to operations, marketing, customer service and maintenance coordination.
Skills & Experience We Look For
- A recent graduate in Business, Management, Technology, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with the confidence to work alongside both store teams and senior stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
- Proficiency in digital tools and Microsoft Office applications (particularly PowerPoint and Excel).
- Previous retail or sales experience is highly preferred, though exposure to coaching, societies, or voluntary leadership is also an advantage.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, eager to learn, and willing to take ownership of projects.
- People oriented with a collaborative, hands‑on approach to teamwork.
- Resilient and comfortable adapting to an ever‑changing retail landscape.
Graduate Rotations: Retail Ops, L&D & Head Office employer: VPZ
VPZ is an exceptional employer, offering graduates a unique opportunity to kickstart their careers in a dynamic and rapidly growing environment. With pathways in Retail Operations, Learning & Development, and Head Office Operations, employees benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact from day one. Our supportive work culture, combined with a commitment to employee growth and a vibrant team atmosphere in locations like Edinburgh and Kilmarnock, makes VPZ a fantastic place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Rotations: Retail Ops, L&D & Head Office
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
For a retail trainee role, it's essential to be in tune with your local shops. Spend some time visiting local stores, chatting with staff, and getting a feel for their customer service approach. This might even give you the inside scoop on trainee openings before they’re posted online!
✨Connect with Retail Communities
Join local or online retail communities where trainees and professionals share experiences and insights. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even Reddit can be great for discovering unadvertised trainee positions or getting tips from others who have been in your shoes!
✨Pop in and Introduce Yourself
Don’t shy away from walking into shops and asking about trainee opportunities directly. A friendly introduction could leave a lasting impression on the manager, plus it shows that you’re eager and proactive about joining the team!
✨Follow VPZ on Social Media
Stay updated with VPZ’s social media channels. They often post about trainee programmes and special events which can help you get noticed. Engaging with their content can also show your genuine interest in being part of their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Rotations: Retail Ops, L&D & Head Office
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, your ability to connect with customers is key! Make sure to highlight any past experience where you provided excellent customer service, even if it was in a different setting. Use your CV to elaborate on any sales experience or teamwork that showcases your people skills.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:As a trainee, we want to see your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the retail space. In your cover letter, share why you’re excited about this opportunity at VPZ and how it aligns with your career goals. A personal touch will help your application stand out!
Highlight Your Flexibility and Availability:Retail often requires a flexible schedule. In your application, mention your availability and willingness to work varied shifts. It shows your commitment to the role and that you understand the demands of the industry.
Include Relevant Qualifications:While you're applying for a trainee position, any retail-specific qualifications or courses can give you an edge. If you've completed any relevant training or certifications, don’t forget to include them in your CV to impress VPZ!
How to prepare for a job interview at VPZ
✨Show Off Your Customer Skills
Make sure you can demonstrate your knack for customer service, as that’s really what retail is all about! Think of scenarios where you've gone above and beyond for someone—whether it's a part-time job, volunteering, or even helping out at events. We want our trainees at VPZ to feel comfortable engaging with customers, so be ready with some examples!
✨Know the Products Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the products that VPZ offers. It might seem obvious, but being able to discuss their features and benefits can really help you stand out. We love seeing candidates who do their homework and can articulate what makes our merchandise unique—think about why someone would buy from us!
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
As a trainee, you’ll be working closely with your colleagues, so it’s important to showcase your teamwork skills. Reflect on previous experiences where you've collaborated with others, whether in sports, school projects, or part-time jobs. We want to see how you fit into a team dynamic, especially in a bustling retail environment.
✨Be Ready to Learn and Adapt
In a trainee role, it's all about your willingness to grow and learn. Be prepared to discuss how you handle new challenges or changes. We’re looking for candidates who can embrace feedback and adapt quickly, so think of examples where you’ve taken on a new skill or adapted to a new environment successfully.
