Corporate Affairs

Applications for the Corporate Marketing graduate programme are now closed.

There is always a buzz about the office in the Corporate Affairs department and it is an extremely dynamic and vibrant place to work.

You will be stretched every step of the way but you will also be surrounded by inspirational people who are passionate about what they do. The wealth of experience in the office is invaluable and you will be amazed at how much you learn and how quickly you find yourself adapting to different situations.

You could be communicating with the media or the City, interacting with the Government and communities or working with colleagues down the corridor in Marketing or on the other side of the world in Malaysia. Our Corporate Affairs Team work to protect and promote the Tesco brand, and therefore directly influence what people and in particular our customers think of Tesco.

You will be given real responsibility from day one. Our recent graduates have helped to write and produce Tesco’s Annual Review, written a speech for the Chairman and have had exposure to senior politicians whilst managing the company’s influencing policy on trade. They have found themselves organising and attending an International conference in Prague for all of the International Corporate and Legal Affairs Directors and accompanying a group of 50 Analysts and Investors on a trip to Europe to see our stores.

What could you be doing next year?

There is no typical day in the Press Office, as it is such a dynamic team. Our recent graduates have found themselves coordinating several PR events including a Mcfly album signing, managing a PR agency and thinking up creative ways to get our new square melons in the press. The team are also constantly on the ball to react to situations arising that may affect the reputation of the business.

As part of either the Corporate Responsibility team or the Community Plan, you could be helping to raise millions of pounds for good causes through our Charity of the Year or cutting Tesco's carbon footprint by supporting the Tackling Climate Change team. You could be helping to construct policies on animal welfare, working closely with the press office on emerging issues, or preparing speeches and presentations to announce major new environmental projects.

If you are working in Internal Communications, you will be helping to keep our 400,000 employees across the globe informed about the business. The team have responsibility for the internal magazine, organising key events such as the Company Conference and keeping staff updated on Tesco’s strategy, performance and priorities at key points during the year and on a day to day basis.

As a member of the International Corporate Affairs team, you’ll gain a unique insight into our thriving overseas businesses. The team work with colleagues throughout Asia, Europe and the U.S., helping to support the Corporate Affairs teams in countries with governmental and media issues and helping each of them to implement their own Community Plans.

In your first week in Investor Relations you may find yourself sitting opposite members of the Board in a meeting or liaising with analysts and investors in the city. A large part of the team’s job is to communicate accurately to shareholders what is going on in Tesco all over the world. This may be through producing the Annual Review, presenting the company trading results, or taking investors to see our stores in action, whether that be in Kensington or Korea.

It’s very important that we work closely with Central Government and the EU on legislation that may impact our customers and staff. Our Government Affairs team work collaboratively with them, whether that be working with Defra on how to raise public awareness of climate change or highlighting the positive effect that our regeneration partnership stores have on the lives of the long term unemployed.

While working in our Regional Communications team you will be helping to gain approval for new stores and, in doing so, support our property development programme. You may find yourself liaising with politicians and local authorities, managing regional media, whilst regularly talking and listening to local communities and ensuring that we are a good neighbour.

The Corporate Affairs department can offer you a unique view of Tesco, an unparalleled insight into the various stakeholders that have an interest in what Tesco does and will give you the skills to communicate, persuade and influence. Your knowledge and understanding of all areas of the business will grow immensely and your communication skills will develop throughout the year as you work with different teams in the office and during your store placements.

Following successful completion of the two year scheme, you’ll have the opportunity to move into a permanent role within the Corporate Affairs team, giving you a great start to your career at Tesco.

We are looking for people who have:

  • At least a 2:1 degree in any discipline (or expect to receive)
  • 240 UCAS points at A Level/Scottish Highers or other equivalent qualifications (excluding General Studies)
  • Flair and excellent communication skills
  • An enthusiasm for new and exciting challenges
  • Ability to work well with others at all levels both inside and outside Tesco
  • Lots of energy and a drive to succeed

Find out more from one of our graduates.