Retail Graduate 2024

Since we were founded in 1961, the number of deaths in the UK from coronary heart disease each year has more than halved. But we still have so much to do. We fund research into all forms of heart disease, discovering molecules in the lab, harnessing the power of big data, funding impactful clinical trials to improve the presentation, detection, and treatment of these diseases.

When it comes to retail, we are leaders in the sector, we have over 700 shops across the UK and ongoing expansion plans. We serve 30 million customers each year. Plus, we deliver annual profits of nearly £23 million that fund pioneering research into heart and circulatory diseases. We couldn’t do it without our people who run a seamless operation, get a kick out of finding brilliant products, and deliver a first-rate customer service.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.

About the Retail Graduate programme

This is a 24-month fixed term contract where you will have exposure to various teams throughout Retail and support the invaluable work we do at British Heart Foundation (BHF).

As part of BHF’s Retail graduate programme, you’ll support the work that we do and will work in a variety of Retail teams across the organisation supporting a range of long-term projects, taking ownership on some and supporting on others

We have opportunities for two graduates to join us on this scheme in September 2024. One graduate will support the work in the London, Bristol and Southampton region, whilst the second graduate will support the Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham region.

Throughout your time on the programme, you’ll be fully supported and have a clear development programme. In addition to learning on the job, you’ll have a BHF mentor and will attend action learning style events with your fellow graduate peers. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend learning events such as face-to-face workshops and have opportunities to play an active role in high profile events to grow your skills, knowledge and networks.

Through the programme you’ll work with Store Managers to develop an understanding of stock requirements, direct the stock generation and rotation activities, all of which ensure there is a sufficient supply of donated stock to meet customer demand in shops, stores and online.

You’ll also actively encourage the public to donate saleable stock and will work collaboratively with others to support and guide the activity of volunteer team members.

The programme isn’t a theoretical training exercise; you will make a real impact on major projects and teams across the organisations whilst you’re developing your communication, team working, leadership and project management skills.

This scheme will provide you with the opportunity to develop a career within a fast paced and ambitious retailer and give you the tools and experience to quickly move through the programme with the potential to lead your own team as an Area Manager after two years.

What we’re looking for

• We are seeking recent graduates from any degree discipline with at least a 2:2 grade.
• A connection to the mission and purpose of the BHF
• Good narrative and writing skills, to share insight and information to colleagues
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, able to liaise with colleagues at different levels, adapting style to suit the audience
• Ability to prioritise competing tasks and occasionally manage a challenging workload
• Able to manage a diverse workload
• Basic Microsoft Excel skills knowledge to support in preparing analysis and financial tables

What can we offer you?

• The opportunity to work with different store teams and central support functions to learn about our operations, quickly moving to running your own team
• The chance to make a difference - you will work alongside passionate colleagues, joining 4,000 other colleagues across our organisation funding lifesaving research
• Responsibilities from day one – you’ll be performing an important role in our large and busy Retail team. As your career develops you will gain exposure to other areas of retail which will support your development
• Continuous coaching and learning – we’ll support you in your career development, offering you training and learning opportunities unique to BHF
• Opportunities to get involved in many other aspects of BHF life, including fundraising, lab visits, BHF events and engaging with a variety of different staff-led activities
• You’ll be able to establish and develop connections with the local communities to generate resource and stock
• A generous suite of benefits available to all staff, including 30 days annual leave and healthcare support

Working arrangements

This role will be field based, with regular travel to stores in your respective region, as well as the requirement to travel to key BHF sites to attend meetings and networking events, with fellow graduates on other BHF schemes as well as the wider Retail Directorate.

Due to the nature of this role regular travel will be required. Whilst it will not be necessary to have a driving licence, or have access to a car, at the start of this programme, you will at least be willing to learn, or currently learning to drive, with a view to having passed the test during the programme.

Some weekend work may be required. This role will run shops and stores for a period of time, weekend working is therefore necessary from time to time based on business need.