UK retailer Sainsbury’s has launched a new graduate program designed to support early career professionals in developing the essential skills all future retail leaders will need.

The FutureMaker program gives graduates the opportunity to spend two years at the heart of Sainsbury’s developing critical skills in four key areas, identified as the skills shaping the future of retail: digital and AI; data and analytics; change and transformation; and business decision making.

The three-part program will run for 24 months, split into eight-month rotations within a chosen SSC specialism. Participants will then be able to apply for relevant roles within the business. 

“We’re committed to investing in early careers and have spent time identifying the skills our future leaders will need to help us build a sustainable retail talent pipeline,” a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said.

“The FutureMaker programme will nurture critical skills in digital and AI; data and analytics; change and transformation; and business decision making. By opening accessible pathways for graduates, we’re investing in both our business growth and a more inclusive workforce, ensuring our teams reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.” 

With nearly 50 roles available, the program provides the opportunity to work on real projects with Sainsbury’s and Argos, two of Britain’s most-loved brands, and learn from industry experts. Roles will include buying, commercial operations, digital retail, merchandising, data science and analytics, food technology, logistics and fulfilment, supply chain, transformation, property and procurement, and product and innovation.   

The launch of FutureMaker will be followed by a broader range of early careers programmes across Sainsbury’s, continuing to build on the retailer’s focus on talent development and attraction.  

Further information and application details can be found on Sainsbury’s careers website: sainsburys.jobs/teams/early-careers.