Sainsburys - Human Resources

Sainsbury’s is a leading FTSE 100 company and a very high-profile name in a fast-moving and highly competitive market. The success of our recently completed ‘Making Sainsbury’s Great Again’ review, has seen the company’s sales grown by £2.7b and profits double. The success of the brand re-launch has been a resounding success in re-establishing us in the hearts and minds of our customers, and we now have more than 16.5m customer shopping with us. But it doesn’t stop there, as we grow our business, our plans continue at pace to improve the customer shopping experience.

To help us to achieve our plans, we need to find a diverse group of exceptional graduates, able to bring fresh commitment, talent and ideas to the company.

What does the scheme involve?
Our HR function here at Sainsbury's plays a critical role in driving the business forward. By working in partnership with leaders in other areas of the organisation, we can raise the capability of our people to drive the results which are fundamental to our success.

Your scheme will start with a four-month retail placement before returning to the London Store Support Centre where you may be involved in areas including Reward, Leadership Development, Organisational Design and Recruitment. We'll make sure you have the opportunity to put the skills into practice by supporting in a generalist role for one of your placements.

Whilst the work that takes place at our London Store Support Centre is of vital importance, it's the way these projects, policies and incentives are implemented in our stores and distribution centres that is the real test of our capability as a function. Working with the HR managers during placements in retail and distribution centres will enable you to fully understand the impact of HR on the ground and, more importantly, how we can get better at what we do.

During your scheme, you will be able to study for the CIPD qualification and take on additional business projects to really stretch your thinking. At the end of the scheme we'll work with you to identify a permanent role where you can further develop your HR career here with us.

What are we looking for?
We're looking for people with fresh thinking and new ideas who are comfortable leading change. You'll have a flair for people and enjoy working collaboratively. An eye for detail balanced with an ability to view the big picture is vital and you'll be able to use your judgement to balance conflicting demands at a hectic pace. A 2.1 degree is a minimum requirement, ideally in a business, human resource management or psychology related degree.

What skills will you develop?
Over and above technical HR skills, you will learn people influencing skills and the basics of aligning human resource management to business strategy.

What are the benefits?

• £23k starting salary with excellent salary progression
• 22 days holiday
• 10% staff discount after six months
• Discretionary annual bonus Opportunity to gain a CIPD qualification with support for study leave
• Opportunities to make a powerful impact on a real business

Application deadline: 31st October 2008