Graduate Opportunities With so many brands, you can change careers without ever changing employers

WELCOME TO ARCADIA CONTENTS Arcadia is a business like no other. We’re the UK’s largest privately owned 1 Welcome to Arcadia retailer with eight major high street brands: BHS, , , , 4 Our Graduate opportunities , , and , along with our out-of-town fashion destination 6 Buying Outfit. It’s not just about the UK high street; with online stores and over 650 global Digital 8 locations, our presence is felt all over the world.

10 Finance It takes exceptional people to keep so many different brands at the forefront of our rapidly 12 Merchandising changing industry. Our people demonstrate a perfect combination of strong commercial skills 14 Application information and real passion for the business. We’ll help 16 Interview advice you develop and give you the chance to influence our future. 17 Tips for video interviewing

1 1 It’s not only our products but our people who drive our success. Our graduate recruits are no exception to this. Whichever cornerstone of our business you join – Buying, Digital, Finance or Merchandising – you’ll be contributing FASHION from the start. FOOTPRINT You can count on tailored on-the-job training and a manager doesn’t start and end on the who really understands the importance of giving you shop floor. From factories to deliveries, responsibility from day one. There will be huge scope to employees to suppliers, every part of our shape the direction of your career as you develop and business has a footprint. We’re committed you’ll play a part in supporting the growth of our business. to making sure the impact we have on As you progress, you could have the chance to move the world is as positive as possible. between our brands and see the full breadth of what we do. That’s why, on top of our supplier code You’ll need to show that you’re really passionate about of conduct, we try to be as environmentally building a career in retail. After all, this is the chance to friendly as we can. Whether we’re working join one of the most successful businesses in the industry. to improve the welfare of factory workers, Alongside a competitive salary, we offer great benefits reducing the number of lorries on the road including 25% discount, season ticket loan for travel and or raising money for charity through sample pension scheme. sales, we’re constantly looking for ways to be safer, friendlier and more sustainable. ALWAYS LOOKING We’re extremely proud of how our people FOR TALENT embrace these values. We couldn’t do it without them, which is why we’ve included We recruit for Buying, Digital and Merchandising a few examples of how we are championing all year round, whilst we recruit for our Finance a more sustainable and ethical Arcadia programme three times a year. throughout this brochure.

3 2 3 FINANCE A SNAPSHOT OF OUR Our success hangs on telling the story of Arcadia with GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES numbers. We’re not just number crunchers at Arcadia; we produce the financial evidence that helps us move forward as a business. Our brand-based teams guide what BUYING DIGITAL happens in our stores and online through budgeting, reporting and forecasting, Our success hangs Our success hangs on whilst our Group teams oversee finances on turning ideas into being tuned into the digital for the whole of Arcadia. much-wanted pieces. world at all times. We can spot a new trend a mile away Digital technology is advancing fast, and work with suppliers to develop the so our Digital teams’ job is to stay on top right products for our brands. We know of the latest developments and evolve the MERCHANDISING what’s going to be popular and we customer experience to support sales negotiate good rates to ensure the best growth in the UK and internationally. Our success hangs on getting products are available for customers, the right stock to the right place both in-store and online. at the right time. We know our customers. We know our products. Most importantly, we know what sells. By looking at past and future trends, current sales and stock availability, we predict what items will sell best and plan accordingly.

4 5 BUYING Buyers develop the latest lines that give our WHAT WE’RE customers what they really want. They can LOOKING FOR spot a new trend a mile away and work with suppliers to ensure the best products are With an eye for new trends available for customers, in-store and online. in fashion and a good sense It’s essential for buyers to know their of what our customers want,

customers inside out, predict what the next you’ll play a crucial part in BUYING big look will be and adapt the newest bringing the latest trends to for their particular audience. our brands. You’ll work in There’s also a strong business element to partnership with Design and the role. Buyers are constantly negotiating Merchandising to deliver for the best deal, so it’s the perfect role for the best product, so strong Working with the Buying team communication skills are graduates with the right mix of creativity allows me to be involved and commercial skill. a must. A fashion related degree or relevant work in fit sessions and give my Career Path experience is essential, advice. I also liaise with other as are strong organisational departments regarding trend Buying Director skills and being able to think on your feet. packages. The team I work Head of Buying within has such a buzz and every day is different. The Senior Buyer opportunity is what you make of it, you have to seize it and Buyer Fashion be proactive! Footprint Junior Buyer Callum Burman 94% of the energy used in BAA Assistant Buyer stores in the UK and Ireland TOPMAN is from renewable sources. Buying Admin Assistant (BAA) 6 7 WHAT WE’RE DIGITAL LOOKING FOR At Arcadia, each of our brands has a Digital team responsible You’ll understand how for the trading aspects of their online business. This includes digital technology can be Design and Creative, Online Trading and Optimisation, and leveraged to drive customer Digital Marketing for the UK and international markets across engagement and grow sales, desktop, mobile, and social channels. thanks to either a related degree or relevant work Digital technology is evolving fast. To ensure our brands experience. Your creativity stay ahead of the competition and on top of the latest and attention to detail will developments, our Group Digital function drives initiatives be essential to your success, that develop the customer experience through digital and a love of fashion will technology. This improves the effectiveness of digital help you to bring out the marketing to support sales growth online and in-store best in our products. and opens up new opportunities for further expansion.

As someone with a keen interest in digital technology DIGITAL you’ll contribute to maintaining our reputation as a leader in retail by setting the standards for customer experience. Fashion You’ll also get to know our product ranges inside out Footprint and have a say on the look, feel and how to drive the performance of our websites. We recycled 33 million hangers. Potential Career Path I’m responsible for Diva jewellery. On a day to day Digital Director basis I maintain all Diva’s Head of Digital images on the website, keep an eye on stock levels, Production Online Trading Digital Marketing Digital Creative Lead Digital reporting and liaising Manager Manager Manager Manager Designer with Finance. My job has exceeded my expectations Production Online Trading Senior Digital Marketing Digital Content Digital Coordinator Coordinator Analyst Coordinator Coordinator Designer in so many ways – I’m having so much fun! Production Online Trading Junior Digital Marketing Digital Content Junior Digital Assistant Assistant Analyst Assistant Assistant Designer Jas Bagri Online Trading Assistant Miss Selfridge Production Trading & Optimisation Digital Marketing Digital Design & Creative

8 9 FINANCE 11

Finance Analyst Career Path We reviewed We Finance Director Fashion Fashion Finance Manager Footprint Financial Controller Senior Finance Manager 2,938 factory ethical audits. support from an experienced mentor. from support CAREER DEVELOPMENT our graduates to be our Finance want We take great pride in leaders of the future. We how we develop our talent. In fact, 15 out of 18 Finance Controllers, Heads of Finance and Finance Directors in our offices all joined the Group as either graduates or newly qualified accountants. GET QUALIFIED WITH ARCADIA allows you to rotateOur Exceed programme with differentbetween areas of Finance through to Buyingfocuses – from Group, then Retail Finance.and Merchandising and business, and see all aspects of the You’ll across the board. develop your skills right Plus, we’ll support you through your CIMA throughout the or ACCA qualification programme. As well as sponsoring your tuition fees, we’ll give you study leave and

being committed to a career in central Group functions. WE’RE WHAT LOOKING FOR for high-calibre graduates looking We’re with expert numeracy skills. Our graduate finance programme is structured over 3-4 years so finance is essential. At Arcadia, finance is about much more than findings have a direct number crunching. Your impact on key decisions made throughout the direction and business, developing strategy, the future of Arcadia and all its brands. Our London offices house our brand based finance teams who offer key commercial advice and support as well as to all functions looking after more traditional finance areas including reporting, forecasting. planning and London is also home to our Group Finance teams who look at the big picture for the whole of Arcadia. This incorporates performance asreviewing all the brand’s well as working closely with all the varied FINANCE hoping to qualify next May. CER (Capital Expenditure Request) and all the financials for the project. Finance is a lots community where there’s of opportunities to know to get everyone. the senior people All in Finance have been through the grad scheme, so they are well equipped to help. I’m At Arcadia it’s not your typical At Arcadia it’s Finance job. I get involved in projects like the Topshop store setting up 5th Avenue Evans Josie Bonnett Finance Analyst 10 Career Path Merchandising Director

Head of Merchandising

Senior Merchandiser

Fashion Merchandiser Footprint Junior Merchandiser

We reduced our transport Assistant Merchandiser CO2 emissions by 5%. Merchandise Admin

MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING Assistant (MAA) The Merchandising function hangs on smart stock decisions. WHAT WE’RE The right products need to be in the right place, at the right LOOKING FOR time – whether that’s in-store or online. Our Merchandising You’ll be the kind of teams do exactly that, by building the range in close person who thrives in a collaboration with Buying and Design. Whilst Buyers and fast-paced environment – Designers set the trend direction and build the ranges rising to the responsibility, that our customers will want to buy, Merchandisers use exercising sound judgment their strategic thinking to decide where those ranges and making decisions will be available. This involves understanding customer that matter. Insight-driven trends and the factors that drive them – such as particular and meticulous in your Working on the All About demographics, footfall variations, even changes in the approach to work, you’ll Rose collection was amazing weather and large-scale events such as festivals. From the need to have some in-store ‘big deals’ worth investing in, to items which are more – I was involved in deciding retail experience and be ‘of the moment’, Merchandisers provide insights that allow confident using MS Excel. allocations and making sure us to make smart decisions about the items we stock. Our Merchandisers come stock was ready for launch. This influences the success of our whole business. from a diverse range of The training means I have Ever-changing consumer habits will keep your analytical degree disciplines: what more responsibility and can skills agile – and you’ll contribute from initial strategy we’re really looking for is meetings with Merchandising and Buying teams, right a hunger to turn facts and look forward to becoming an through to delivery. From day one you’ll be analysing figures into real business Assistant Merchandiser, which customer buying patterns, preparing and presenting figures decisions – as well as a means I’ll be more involved for trade meetings and collecting data from weekly sales keen interest in fashion. reports. With our training and support you’ll be more than with finance, forecasting able to handle it all. You can expect unrivalled opportunity and planning ahead. that more than matches your ambition and in time you’ll Georgie Martin be making decisions that have a real impact on the MAA profitability of your brand. Dorothy Perkins 13 12 13 APPLICATION TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION DO YOUR HOMEWORK Don’t send generic applications for multiple Make sure you read up on Arcadia and our INFORMATION roles at once. You might be interested in brands before submitting your application. more than one vacancy, but we want to There are over 1,000 Arcadia stores across see that you’ve taken the time to focus your the country. Every one of our brands has its QUALIFICATIONS application on the area you’re applying for. own website. We’re active on social media, You should be in your final year or have other people blog about us and we’re often already completed your degree. Some of our GIVE EXAMPLES in the news. So research fully and make sure roles require you to have a degree that relates you’re clued up about our business. We love to hear about your interests and to the business area, so be sure to check strengths and the candidates who really back on the business area you’re interested in. stand out back these up with evidence. You WHAT TO WEAR might be in a related student society, run We’re famous for our fashion, so we don’t THE APPLICATION PROCESS a fashion blog, or have prior experience. expect people to dress formally for work, Whatever it is, tell us. We won’t know how or for an interview. Be yourself and choose Our application process is designed to give good you are otherwise! clothes that reflect your personality. you the chance to show off your strengths in the best possible light. CHECK YOUR APPLICATION. MAKE A GOOD There are five main parts: CHECK IT AGAIN. FIRST IMPRESSION 1. Online application … and again. You’ll need to make sure that Smile, make lots of eye contact and be 2. Online maths test all sections of the application are complete. positive. You’re at this interview because 3. Video interview It’s also essential to be mindful of your you’re good. Remember that and proceed 4. Face-to-face assessment spelling and grammar. Leave plenty with confidence. 5. Final interview with the of time for proofing and get a friend brand or department that to check everything over for you. you could find yourself in

14 14 15 INTERVIEW TIPS FOR VIDEO ADVICE INTERVIEWING With a well-formed response, you’ll be able to • Prepare as you would for a face-to-face properly express yourself. Our interviews are a interview mix of scenario and competency based questions; • Do your homework, research the we recommend using the STAR approach to form role and Arcadia your answers. Here’s a STAR response in action: • Think about why you want to work for us SITUATION: “I was left to supervise my section of the shop floor • Think about the role you have applied for for two hours whilst my manager was in a meeting” • Choose your surroundings carefully - appropriate background and “During this time, I was responsible for ensuring TASK: allows you to be the focus of our attention stock was replenished and the floor tidy” • Be aware the moment the video starts ACTION: “I chose to remain on the shop floor to tidy up • Try to relax and be yourself and delegated replenishing stock to another team • Look into the camera, make eye contact member. This meant I could keep an eye on the and be confident whole section in case of an emergency” • Speak clearly and show us your personality RESULT: “I received great feedback from my manager, who was happy for me to supervise more frequently because of my good judgement in this situation”

ANY QUESTIONS?

The answer should be yes. We love candidates who are clued up about what we do and having some great questions prepared is the perfect way for you to show this. Think about what’s going on in the industry, try to be original and most importantly, ask the questions that are important to you.

16 16 17 www.arcadiagroup.co.uk/careers

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THE TTOPOP 110000 CCOOMMPPAANNIIEES for graduates to work for 2014 / 15