Marks & Spencer to recruit 200 graduates in 2012

Marks & Spencer has today opened for applications to its 2012 Graduate Scheme and Business Placement Programme.

More than 200 graduates and undergraduates will have the opportunity to take their first step onto the retail ladder via approximately 140 graduate roles in stores and head office, as well as 60 one year placements offered to undergraduates as part of their degree.

Graduates can apply for much sought-after retail management roles within M&S UK stores and specialist head office schemes such as product technology, food development and fashion design, as well general buying and merchandising schemes. This year M&S is also offering seven specialist e-commerce roles, in order to support its ambitions in multi-channel retailing.

Kay Jones-Wolsey, Head of Recruitment at M&S said: “In a fast moving industry like retail, fresh and innovative thinking is essential to keep you ahead of the competition. Our Graduate and BPP schemes provide us with a pipeline of new and exciting talent, enabling us to develop the next generation of retail stars.”

Both schemes offer excellent opportunities for progression, providing hands on experience from day one. Throughout the scheme, graduates are supported by technical and leadership training to help develop them as future leaders of the business. The Business Placement Programme also provides outstanding prospects, with on average 80 per cent of recruits subsequently offered a place on the Graduate Scheme.

Last year, M&S received over 11,000 applications for its graduate scheme. Applications for this year's schemes will close in December 2011. Successful applicants will progress to assessment days between January and March 2012, with graduates joining the business permanently from September 2012. 

For more information visit http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers

-Ends- 

For further information or case studies of existing M&S graduates contact:

Amanda Glover

Corporate PR 020 8718 8132

amanda.glover@marks-and-spencer.com

Notes to editors:

• Starting salaries for graduates range from £23,500 – £28,000, depending on the scheme and location, and business placements offer £16,500 - £19,500.
• The schemes available under the 2012 Graduate Programme include: Retail Management, IT, Logistics, Buying, Marketing, Merchandising, Product Technology, Food Technology, Food Product Development, Fashion Designand E-commerce.