John Lewis Partnership
Since opening its first department store on London’s famous Oxford Street in 1864, the John Lewis Partnership has grown into one of the UK’s most popular retailers, and employs 76,500 people.
Pros
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Cons
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Employee Reviews
Life on the Job
Culture
- "The company is a co-owned business. Each 'Partner' owns a share and we are paid a bonus each March, which is made up of a share of the profits. Colleagues support each other but we are all under immense strain with tight resources. The employees do sometimes socialise with each other, but it varies from age range to age range." -- Section Manager, Graduate
“The Partnership has a very open and honest culture in which everyone receives support when they need it. The Partnership is keen to support Partners with issues that may be affecting them out of the workplace through a role known as 'registry'. Registry offers Partners independent confidential advice. There are many social events to attend and the Partnership also offers to pay a slight subsidy on tickets for sporting events, the theatre, and concerts." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"There is a clear hierarchy but it's not set so that you can't access anyone in the team whenever you need to. Yes we support each other whilst remote from the office. This is pretty essential. We occasionally socialise, but it’s sometimes difficult given the team is spread across the country." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
"Degree of socialising varies depending on the office you are in. Typical events are pay day drinks and team breakfast." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
"Company structure is arranged in the following way: Non Management Partners, Section Managers, Department Managers, Steering Group (Operations Managers Fashion/Home, Operations Manager Selling Support (Stock Management, Business Protection, Customer Service), Personnel Manager), Managing Director. There is a good clear communication structure in place, to ensure communication flows effectively from the top level to non management level. Everyone is extremely flexible and help is available when needed. Employees do socialise within their teams, going out for meals, birthday celebrations, leisure night outs to the cinema, theatre, etc." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"We have a very unique culture here at John Lewis which is very much the result of being part of a co-owned business. In work we support each other more than anywhere else I have ever worked. This is both on a professional level as well as a personal level. We have registrars in place in all branches that are there to support Partners in all ways. As for socialising, there are many events and opportunities that John Lewis organises for Partners to take part in outside of work. We have exceptional leisure benefits packages available that allow us to join clubs, receive discounts as well as learn new skills outside work. We have several John Lewis holiday centres around the country which allow us to enjoy affordable respite with our families. These are but a few examples of social activities on offer to us – you would be hard pressed to find another company that dedicates the same amount of energy and focus on ensuring its workers have a healthy balance between work and home life." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate
"Employees or Partners within John Lewis do socialise together. In most branches there is a social bar with moderately priced alcohol which helps. Being a graduate is tricky in this situation and it is down to the individual. You are being prepared for senior positions and your colleagues at these levels may not socialise and it may or may not be in your comfort zone to do this with those you line manage. Colleagues in John Lewis are very supportive and it is a culture where they want Partners to progress and Partners are the cornerstone of everything we do. On the graduate scheme colleagues are very supportive, possible as they have seen the success of previous graduates and know you may be back as a Managing Director." -- Department Manager, Graduate
"You have Partners who report to Section Managers who report to Department Managers. Department Managers are very supportive of each other. Management teams are also very supportive as SM's and DM's. Social life is limited as people live far away from each other." -- Department Manager, Graduate
Hours, Pay & Perks
Hours
- "I work in retail so I expect to work evenings and weekends. That I work one weekend in every 6 weeks and one late night a week is a great rota in retail so I am pleased. When working through the graduate scheme you will work longer hours, but this should be a given as you are being fast tracked and need to pick up every advantage and all the experience you can in a short period of time." -- Department Manager, Graduate
"Nature of the work means working outside contracted hours is not uncommon – however I have never had to work at weekends unless volunteering, i.e. attending careers fairs, etc. Management are very flexible with working hours and are approachable." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
"I work three Saturdays out of five. I have been known to spend up to 70 hours in work in one week – this involved coming in *voluntarily* on my days off." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"Not in the office, but trains, planes and hotel rooms, etc. Often I work well over the 38 hours I'm paid for, but that’s part of doing the role I do. If work needs doing, I get on and do it. It's give and take. No grumbles at all." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
"40 hours a week, I work weekends on a rota basis (3/5 Saturdays and 2/5 Sundays). Company is extremely flexible when it comes to time banking. Partners can leave early when required if possible, even at a short notice, and make up the hours at a later date. A very generous holiday scheme is in place for graduates on the scheme with 24 a year plus an additional 12 for bank holidays and over time worked during Christmas." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"On average I spend about 48 hours in work and I work three out of five weekends." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"I do around a 45 hour week; I work every other weekend as I am on a rota due to busy trade at the weekend. John Lewis is very flexible with holidays." -- Department Manager, Graduate
"I am contracted to work 37 hours a week which does include two Saturdays. However, I do receive two three-day weekends twice a month. I tend to work more than my contracted hours but this is through choice and not enforced by John Lewis. John Lewis is very flexible to personal needs and allows Partners to find a balance in their work and home life." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate
Pay
- "£24,000" -- Section Manager, Graduate"£24,000" -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate"£24,000 on the scheme and will rise after your first appointment." -- Department Manager, Graduate"£30,000" -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate"£30,000" -- Department Manager, Graduate"£30,000" -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
"We have a profit sharing scheme – our bonus varies every year, dependent on profit." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"Bonus programme is unique and rewarding. It significantly adds to basic pay and is a motivator to drive the Partnership forward." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
"Bonus is a great incentive for Partners as we are co-owners in the business. It’s one of the perks for working with John Lewis. With stronger results every year, this is only going to get better." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"Happy with pay for now. Bonus is the best in the market. Fair and equal as we are a Partnership." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
"One of the biggest advantages is the 25% discount card in John Lewis and the 15% discount in Waitrose. This really helps with the cost of living. Additionally with the KNU policy you can often receive discount up to 40%. The salary is standard compared to other graduates schemes. But the real opportunities and promotion prospects outweigh this." -- Department Manager, Graduate
Interviews
Interviews & Assessments
- "I was assessed in the latter stages by Heads of Buying, Heads of Merchandising and other senior management. Questions geared around personal ambitions, behaviours and transferable skills into merchandising." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
"I first applied online attaching my CV, then filled in an online assessment, then went on an assessment day. The assessment day was a lot of pressure as you are aware how many candidates there are for a few selective jobs. The day was also informative and I left there really wanting to have a life long career with John Lewis." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate
"Two interviews (standard). Assessment day for this role n/a. Assessment day for the grad scheme was very tough but a great experience. Very challenging questions about vision, leadership, etc. Overall, very challenging process but that's what you need both for the interviewer and the interviewee." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
"Online application, followed by an assessment centre. It lasted over two days and you’re required to pass day one to get onto day two. Day one involved working in groups on four different exercises. Day two involved an interview... Questions in the interview focussed around flexibility, mobility and how my past experience could be applied to my current job." -- Section Manager, Graduate
"There are 5,500 applicants and 16 positions for the whole of the UK. [NB. Applications and intake varies year to year].Two day assessment centre with multiple group activities/presentations." -- Department Manager, Graduate
The Inside Buzz View
Graduate Schemes at John Lewis
The John Lewis Partnership offers a Management Development Programme for both its John Lewis and Waitrose stores. The tailored programme is designed to equip its graduates with all the skills needed for successful management. If you pick John Lewis, then the long term aim would be to integrate you into a store’s senior leadership team responsible for executing overarching brand strategy at a local level. Senior management roles tend to be divided between customer-facing departments – including selling departments, catering and customer service – and operational support functions such as finance, supply chain and administration.
Both John Lewis and Waitrose offer positions as department managers and section managers. Those that have supervisor experience from a commercial environment can develop their leadership skills in the Horizons training programme or by joining as a Section Manager Trainee.
If you don’t fancy working on the shop floor, there are several graduate roles available at Head Office through the Buying, Finance, IT and Merchandising schemes. Those undertaking the Buying scheme will develop their skills over three to five years – progressing to Assistant Buyer in their second year before becoming a fully-fledged Buyer by the end of the programme. Graduates interested in working across John Lewis’ three main buying categories of home, fashion, and electrical and home technology will need a minimum 2:1 to stand a chance of making the scheme. This academic prerequisite also applies to the company’s other Head Office schemes, with the exception of IT. Plumb for the Merchandising programme and you’ll make the rank of Merchandiser within three to five years. Based out of the HQ in Victoria, successful Merchandising applicants will be good with numbers, capable of planning and reaching targets and have great communication skills.
The recruitment process varies from scheme to scheme. However, no matter which role you apply for an online application kicks off proceedings, with graduate schemes then holding assessment days. Held over two days, hopefuls will only make the second day if they pass the first. The first day is group based, with graduates being put through their paces in a number of exercises. The second day involves a series of individual activities. One Project Manager states that two interviews is the ‘standard’; expect questions focussing on your ‘flexibility, mobility and… past experience’.
Internships and Placements
For those keen to gain some real hands-on work experience in retail management, count yourself lucky as John Lewis offers one-year placements and six-week summer internships for penultimate year students of any discipline. These schemes primarily focus on retail management and will significantly expand your business skills in trading, product presentations, stock control and selling techniques. Expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of life as a manager on the shop floor and find out what it takes to run a successful retail company. And guess what? If they like you, you may even be fast-tracked through the hiring process for the Retail Management graduate scheme – so make sure you give it a go!
Graduate Recruitment Info
Contact: careers@johnlewis.co.uk
How to apply: www.jlpjobs.com
Application Deadlines (for the 2012 scheme): 15th November 2011
John Lewis Profile & Stats
Since opening its first department store on London’s famous Oxford Street in 1864, John Lewis has grown into one of the UK’s most popular retailers. After the death of its eponymous founder in 1928, his son John Spedan Lewis took the helm and implemented many of the practices that led to the company’s rise and sustained success.
Believing it was unfair that business owners received profits and benefits while its employees didn’t, Spedan Lewis created a profit sharing scheme, a representative staff, provided paid holidays and set up workers’ committees. During a time when employees’ rights were minimal, these were radical principles to implement; but by making the company’s workforce both employees and partners, Spedan Lewis gave his staff real incentive to help propel the company forward.
This united drive has manifested in the founding of direct services company Greenbee.com – later to become John Lewis Insurance – the launch of its online shopping site www.johnlewis.com and the purchase of the supermarket chain Waitrose. The latter has since swelled from 10 to 230+ stores with the partnership also investing in an online delivery service, Ocado, to deal with the growing demand for home delivered groceries. Today, the partnership employs 76,500 personnel across the John Lewis and Waitrose brands. The John Lewis Partnership is structured by business area: building and services, head office, IT, John Lewis branches, John Lewis Direct, John Lewis distribution, John Lewis manufacturing, residential clubs, Waitrose distribution, Waitrose farming and Waitrose supermarkets.
The John Lewis Partnership is a big player when it comes to CSR work. The company is involved in local and national community projects and has established links with schools, charities and local authorities. Most recently, the Partnership has been actively supporting the East London regeneration programme by planning to set up new local stores that will create up to 930 jobs. Additionally, the company provides free employment training, offering at least 250 job opportunities to the unemployed.
The Partnership is also committed to doing its bit for the environment. Sustainability is high on the agenda; in fact, the firm has created a 10-year carbon reduction programme that aims to cut the company’s carbon footprint by 15%. Other green initiatives focus on fuel efficiency/alternative fuels, renewable sources, the reduction of water use and packaging optimisation.
When it comes to diversity, the Partnership is certainly not lagging behind either. The firm’s recruitment policies clearly make room for this, providing equal opportunities for all – but that’s not all! John Lewis is a keen campaigner for improving employment opportunities for people regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, social background, religion, disability or sexuality. The company supports several campaigns such as Race for Opportunity and the Employers’ Forum on Disability. The company doesn’t stop there either and is keen to improve the proportion of ethnic minorities at its management level, whilst also supporting disability in the work place. Furthermore, John Lewis hosts a Business and Technology Education Council placement programme that aims to develop the skills and qualifications of students from deprived backgrounds.
