SPAR International Graduate Programme
At SPAR we are one brand – but we are also much more. Experience the world – being represented in 48 countries by over 100 SPAR country organisations gives us a global significance that is unique in food retail.
A journey awaits – join our international team in Amsterdam and develop your global business and leadership skills in this two-year graduate programme by being a valuable team member from the very first day. The programme commences between June and October each year.
Is this Programme for you?
A customised, business-wide programme will help graduates build on their degree in a dynamic and diverse global business environment.
Through assignments, projects, look & learns across different disciplines and a longer assignment in an elective area graduates will be able to identify and develop individual career aspirations.
We believe that most learning happens through hands-on experience across our various scopes of service. By working in different teams and with different cultures, you will stretch yourself in the world of SPAR. Our management team is committed to supporting you throughout the journey. Each graduate will benefit from a mentoring relationship to guide them through the experience.
THE LEARNING JOURNEY
Key Focus Areas
Working as part of the team, graduates will take an active role in undertaking key activities, assignments and project work in key areas of our scope of service. Key assignments will be over a period of three months in the following areas:
• Buying & Commercial
• Supply Chain/IT/Data
• Retail Development/Store Design
• Marketing/Communications
Look & Learn Areas
Graduates will spend up to four weeks in Responsible Retailing, HRM & Training, Procurement and Finance to gain experience, insight and understanding of each discipline and it’s role within the business and Partner support strategy.
BESPOKEN APPROACH
Personal Development
As part of the personal development, graduates will have the opportunity to work with a personal mentor on business and leadership skills. They will also have access to all internal learning opportunities such as the SPAR Academy and SPAR International conferences. As part of the practical learning experience, hands-on working experience in the retail and warehouse environment will complement the programme.
Personalised Programme
A bespoken programme will be developed for each graduate, building on academic achievements, previous workplace experience and areas of interest covering the first 18 months. The remaining six months would be elective based on personal career development plans.
PROGRESS EVALUATION
Development and Reviews
You will have regular reviews during the programme.
• Sponsor – agreeing and monitoring programme, quarterly review of progress, performance and feedback
• Mentor – monthly development reviews (remotely)
• Line Manager – two/four weekly reviews on projects and assignments
Presentations and Reports
At the end of each key focus area assignment graduates will write a report on learning and opportunities to review with the managing director and relevant colleagues. At the end of the graduate programme, following up a six-months project based period, a final paper and presentation will complete the programme.
OUR PACKAGE
Renumeration Package
People are at the heart of our company – we take care of our international and divers team. Next to meaningful work, we believe it is important that you are satisfied with your remuneration, and that it motivates you in relation to your development and performance.
Our package includes:
• Salary according to local market conditions
• Private pension coverage
• Immigration support
• Travel opportunities
• 25 vacation days per annum, plus national holidays
….. and more
Do you have what it takes?
We are looking for learning agile graduates from the retail/business sector with a proven record of achievement to join us in developing the business of the future.
You are an ideal candidate if you are self-sufficient, resilient, analytical, service orientated, open to feedback and bold enough to take ownership wherever you are. If you value passion for quality, cooperation and have respect for people, other cultures and for our planet, then you would be a great asset for our team.
To apply for this programme, you should have a proven record of achievement in retail or business management, a degree (minimum Bachelor) in a relevant subject to the chosen function and be fluent in English – preferably multilingual.
PLEASE NOTE: our graduate places are occupied until May 2025. We are happy to keep your CV on file for potential future opportunities, but right now we won’t be able to accommodate new graduates.