The China Graduate Programme

UK development programme based in Hertfordshire, UK. Roles in China based in the North, South and East.

c. £19-24,000 in the UK. Appropriate market rate in China.

Applications for this years programme are now closed.

Applications for next year will open early in Jan/Feb 2011.

We operate in 14 countries across the globe, employ over 470,000 employees and have over 4,000 stores worldwide. Our International Business is a major element of our future growth.

As a graduate at Tesco, you’ll be part of an exciting, growing and transforming business – we currently have more shop floor space overseas than in the UK and this is just the beginning of where we want to get to.

In 2004 we introduced Tesco to China and now trade in more than 70 hypermarkets, employing over 20,000 people. We have grown our number of stores significantly each year, and will continue to do so.

However, the emergence of international retailing is not something that happens overnight - it requires a long term approach. Our approach to International retail is simple. It’s about being flexible, acting local, building market share, developing capability, developing multi-formats and building brands. Each market is unique and therefore requires a unique approach. In every country our offer is local - we respond to local cultures, local customers, local supply chains and local regulations. It’s about meeting our customer’s needs by doing those little things that mean a lot.

What’s more we are committed to recruiting top talent and investing in their development. And that’s where you fit in.

Our business in China is growing and developing fast. Which is both great news for us and great news for you. We’ve got 10 fantastic opportunities split between Store Operations, Commercial Buying and Merchandising, and Marketing. The roles are split between northern, southern and eastern China.

Store Operations

UK development programme based in Hertfordshire, role based in northern China

You’ll learn to run a key area of one of our stores, gaining valuable experience and development which will help you to deliver for our customers through leading teams, launching new products, keeping an eye on the balance sheet and keeping the shelves stocked.

Buying

UK development programme based in Hertfordshire, roles based across China

You’ll learn the essential skills you’ll need to succeed and deliver our strategy for growth; working with suppliers around the world, managing budgets, developing new products, researching the latest trends.

Merchandising

UK development programme based in Hertfordshire, role based in Shanghai

You’ll learn to ensure that our products are in the right place, in the right quantity, at the right time. You’ll work with buyers to set the direction and strategy for growth of your given product range. You’ll develop product knowledge and use sales analysis and financial control to get forecasts right and deliver the best possible ranges for the customer.

Marketing

UK development programme based in Hertfordshire, roles based in Shanghai

For one role, you’ll learn to manage individual new store campaigns so that stores launch, you’ll brief external agencies to produce customer communication material and other campaign elements so that the marketing campaign lands. You’ll help to develop and lead a Loyalty Card strategy and scheme to manage and grow customer loyalty, drive trade and long term customer retention.

For the other role, you’ll learn to lead and deliver a communications plan and materials that effectively communicates our shopping trip promises and promotions/trade plan and builds the Tesco brand. You’ll learn to oversee and manage the Point Of Sale, Internal store TV, internet marketing, leafleting and National advertising marketing operations.

The China Graduate Programme is a 12-month Fast-Track scheme. Once selected, you’ll join us in China during August, and then spend approximately seven months on a structured development programme in the UK. This will include time in our UK stores, where it all started and where it all still happens. You’ll then develop skills in your chosen business area, before making a permanent move to China to complete your programme.

This programme will give you the specialist technical skills you need to excel in your chosen area, not to mention the Tesco leadership skills you’ll need to succeed. In the UK, you’ll also learn about the Tesco group processes and the ‘Tesco Way’ of doing things.

The programme will be challenging and stretching and we are looking for strong, driven individuals who will contribute to the business from day one. You’ll need to show that you can work effectively in a team, but that you are also able to take responsibility and use your initiative. You’ll have a senior sponsor in China and the UK, and you’ll have lots of opportunities to demonstrate what you can do and what you’re made of.

To drive our business growth internationally and make your mark, you’ll be:

• Qualified or expecting at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
• Fluent in both English and Mandarin
• Interested in, and with an understanding of, Retail
• Driven and determined to learn and deliver for the customer in a challenging environment
• Confident in your analytical skills
• Able to influence others and have excellent interpersonal skills
• Willing and able to relocate to China
• Mobile according to the needs of the business (although you will initially be based in one location)

Ideally, you'll also have:

• A degree from a UK University
• Work experience in a customer-facing role (retail experience would be a real advantage!)

For the 2010 China Graduate Programme the recruitment process is as follows:

• Website closes for applications: 26th February
• Telephone interviews: Feb - March
• Face-to-face interviews in the UK: March - April
• Psychometric tests: April
• Assessment Centres in the UK: 18th - 21st May
• Offers made: late May
• Start date in China: 16th August

Feedback from current and previous graduates:-

Christine Liu

“China Graduate Programme is good. Management is very keen on us and offer great supports to us during and after the training programme. Smart if you choose Tesco as your after-school employer, you will receive excellent on job training and personal development for your future career.”

Kathleen Wang

“Returning China to develop my career in a multinational company after my overseas studying life in UK has always been my objective. Tesco is a worldwide well-established company and currently invest heavily and growing very fast in China, it also shows its demands for international talents. Working with such a company also means a lot of development opportunities, plus with the fast-track management programme, Tesco has been an ideal employer for me.

I doubt if there is any other employer would give such a great management opportunity to a graduate trainee this early. I appreciate that Tesco believes in my potential and my learning ability, and invested in me and developed me from a graduate trainee to an established manager within as short as a year’s time.”

Sophie Yang

“I am still excited with my initial decision of choosing Tesco as my first employer. As one of the top 3 retailers in the world, Tesco has established a very mature operating system, where one could gain valuable business learning. Not only does Tesco give one a solid ground to improve his/her professional skills, Tesco also provides a lot of personal development trainings that can improve the employees’ transferable skills. After 7 months of training in UK, I am currently working as the buyer of Cooking Oils and Imported Foods for Tesco China South office. I would advise two key things to those would like to start a career with Tesco-firstly, you need to be ready for an ever-changing working environment; and secondly, you should always bear in mind the One Team concept and be prepared to contribute to every team achievement to come.”

Angela Yang

“Tesco has a highly supportive culture which offers a great platform for ambitious individuals to realise their potentials by developing important personal and professional skills from an early career stage. Undoubtedly you will be given a lot of responsibilities from early on, you will also receive great supports from your managers and fellow colleagues. It is really the responsibilities and supports that help to drive individuals to grow.”

Mike Chen

“The graduate programme… is well organised and full of challenges and fun. The Tesco China graduate programme has given me an excellent start for my career development within Tesco global businesses. To succeed, you must have passion in retailing and understand the importance of customer, and you must be ready for challenges, capable of working in a fast moving business environment and be able to manage changes at all time.”

Lifei Tang

“The programme is a perfect start for someone who wishes to pursuit a career in fast-paced retail environment. It offers me a comprehensive understanding of retail industry both in the UK and China. Seven months of working in Tesco UK provides me with an opportunity to learn the culture and value as well as equip me with all the necessary skills to become an eligible buyer.”