Sainsbury's is more than just a food retailer; it is a diverse business that enjoys universal appeal and a rich 140 year heritage. As one of the top retailers in the FTSE 100 there are a number of different ways for graduates to get involved. It is looking for exceptional graduates that will help bring fresh talent and ideas to the business and who are hungry to play a part of its continued success.

Despite the turbulent time in the retail sector over the last 12 months Sainsbury's has gone from strength to strength. Its trusted brand and efforts to adjust its offer to meet the changing needs of Customers mean Sainsbury's has outperformed many of its rivals. This success means over 18.5 million Customers now visit Sainsbury's each week with profits up 11% compared to last year. Sainsbury's has now enjoyed four years of like-for-like sales growth, an achievement in any economic climate.

What are we looking for?
Exceptional graduates, with at least a 2:1 degree should apply now as places are going fast. We need bright, savvy people, who, regardless of their particular field of interest, love the buzz of retail and are hungry for success. Caring about quality is important. And an ability to work brilliantly in a team is a must. But above all we want exceptionally motivated and creative people ready to add value to the business. One of Sainsbury's key values is 'respect for the individual'; this value supports our culture of ensuring that everyone - colleagues and customers - feel valued and respected in everything we do.

About our graduate schemes
Sainsbury's has a long-term commitment to recruiting high-calibre graduates and believes graduates are integral to the future success of its business. Whatever part of the business you join, you will have the opportunity to impact customers shopping experience. The Retail graduate scheme aims to develop you to become a Deputy Store Manager, within 18 months, at one of their designated Centres of Excellence around the country. There are many other graduate opportunities including Buying (Food and General Merchandise), Commercial, Customer and Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Location Planning, Logistics, Merchandising (General Merchandise), Product Development (Food) and Product Technology (Food). Many of these business areas also offer summer or one year placements, so whatever year of study you are in, you can still join us and help make an impact on our business.

For graduates joining our schemes based in the Store Support Centre, Logistics and Coventry, an essential element is a four to six-month store placement. Whatever role you're in and however specialised your skills, your number one priority will be understanding how your role affects the customer shopping experience as well as helping the company to increase sales. This is a real business that runs on getting the basics right, and there's no better place to learn that than out in a busy store.

Areas of specialisation: Buying - food science & technology - human resources - IT - logistics - marketing - product development - property - store operations/management - commercial location planning

Grad schemes:
Retail Management, Buying (Food), Buying (Non Food), Merchandising (Non-Food), Customer & Marketing, Finance, HR, IT, Product Development, Product Technology (Food), Product Technology (Non-Food), Logistics, Commercial, Property.
Plus we offer excellent Summer placements

Salary:
£23,000: Retail Management, Buying (Food and Non-Food), Merchandising (Non-Food), Customer and Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Commercial.
£25,000: IT, Property, Product Technology (Food and Non Food), Product Development and Location Planning

Benefits:
- 10 % bonus (discretionary) - gym membership/subsidy - pension scheme (with company contribution) - season ticket loan - share options - subsidised restaurant - days' holiday - 22

Degrees sought:
- Dependent upon the scheme - please see website for further details.

Locations:
Retail Management opportunities are located in our Centres of Excellence around the country. The Logistics scheme is based in our distribution centre in Hertfordshire, with placements in other distribution centres and offices around the country. All other graduate roles are based at our central London Store Support Centre.

Closing date:
HR, Buying and Customer and Marketing 31st October 2009

All other schemes close on 31st December 2009

Early application is advised for all other schemes - please check website for more details.