THE PROGRAMME
No previous retail experience is required as our programme will take you from Retail Assistant to Branch Manager in just 9 months.
You will need to be hands on as you will be part of a team responsible for delivering a fast and friendly service in clean and tidy branches. Our Branch Managers spend very little time in the office preferring to lead from the shop floor. They never ask anyone to do a job that they wouldn’t do themselves… so expect to get your hands dirty.
We want you to understand us inside out so you will spend time in other parts of the business learning how each team works. You will need to work hard but with our award winning training, management and leadership workshops and the support of your manager, colleagues and mentor you have every opportunity to succeed.
Day 1 - Induction
Welcome to the team! You'll spend some time getting to know a bit more about us and what to expect across the next twelve months. You'll meet some key people in our operations team including your mentor who you will have regular reviews with. You'll also meet your fellow colleagues on the programme. Most importantly we'll provide you with your uniform and ensure we have all of the details to make sure you get paid!
Weeks 1 to 5 - Retail Assistant Training
During this time you will work hard to get to grips with the core operations within one of our busy branches. You will be expected to become a valued member of the branch team, working efficiently and to a high standard.
Weeks 6 to 10 - Duty Manager Training
Now it is time for you to take on real responsibility and learn the skills needed to be a Duty Manager. You will need to work hard, show initiative and act with complete integrity at all times.
Weeks 11 to 13 - Distribution
You'll spend three weeks working in one of our four distribution centres getting to see what happens once you hit "send" on the orders in your branch. You'll be doing everything from picking orders for branches, stock checking and administration.
Week 14 - Holiday
Relax and enjoy a weeks holiday and return refreshed ready to move on to the next stage in the programme.
Weeks 15 to 22 - Duty Manager
On to another new branch and it's time to put into practice all of the skills you learnt in your first branch. As a fully trained Duty Manager your new Branch Manager will expect you to work hard and efficiently, and take responsibility for leading the branch team in their absence.
Weeks 23 & 24 - Holiday
It's time to recharge your batteries with a well deserved two week holiday!
Week 25 - Audit
Spend a week out on the road with a member of our branch auditing team.
Week 26 - Central Services
There is a lot to take in this week when you spend time in our Birmingham central office. You'll get a taste of what it is like to be part of our Customer Service, Buying, Marketing, Branch Returns, Payroll and Property teams. Phew!
Weeks 27 to 37 - Duty Manager
It's back to branch for the final part of your time as a Duty Manager. This is where you'll really begin to perfect your Branch Manager skills ready for the final stage.
Week 38 - Holiday
Another week's holiday already! Time flies when you're so busy learning everything you need to know to be a fantastic Branch Manager.
Weeks 39 to 51 - Branch Manager
It's that moment you've been waiting for and everything you've been training for over the past 9 months...your very own branch! You will be set challenging targets to achieve and must work hard to run an efficient branch and show that you are an effective manager.
Final Review
Your review & sign off meeting lets you reflect on the year. After this meeting you will be assigned a permanent Branch Manager position and you will discuss opportunities for your future career with Farmfoods. After completing our Management Development Programme you are uniquely placed to succeed wherever your ambitions lie.
Week 52 - Holiday
Relax and enjoy your final week's holiday on the programme knowing that your future is bright at Farmfoods.
