Our Program

• Retail Operations
• Logistics
• Buying
• Risk and Safety
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Technology

Our commitment to promoting within

Woolworths Limited offers broad ranging and diverse careers. We have a strong focus on hiring and promoting people from within the business with a large number of our vacancies being filled from our internal talent pool. 

This commitment to promoting from within underpins our Graduate Program. Many of our employees join us on a casual basis working in our stores and do not consider the long term career opportunities which Woolworths Limited can offer.  Many casual employees leave our company once their studies are complete to go start their 'real career' without giving much thought to building a career with Woolworths.

We recognise the contribution of all our team members and we believe that a valuable source of emerging leaders is found right here within our very own business. With Experience in multiple divisions spanning many years being a common and respected characteristics of a Woolworths career. Approximately 31% of our current executives joined Woolworths when they were 25 years of age or younger. More than 4,500 past and present staff are members of the Woolworths 25 year club.

Did you know that Woolworths Limited?

• Employs more than 191,000 employees with 1 in 63 Australians working for one of the Woolworths Limited brands.
• Invested $68 Million in training for our employees in 2009 alone. This represents an increase of almost 9% on the previous year.
• Currently has sites in New Zealand, India, Shanghai and Hong Kong with over 3,000 stores, hotels and Petrol sites in Australia and New Zealand.
  Have 47% of our management group and 46% of our executive group holding more than 10 years' service with us.
• Women constitute 55% of the Woolworths workforce. We have introduced programs to facilitate the inclusion of women and removed barriers that may restrict career progression.
• Have a vision for safety in Woolworths of zero harm to our people, environment and community. Since 2006 we have reduced our lost time injury frequency rate by 50%
  2009 financial year community investments and funds raised totalled S27.4 million
  Sales Revenue of $49.6 Billion in FY09

Global Ranking
In January 2009 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu published the 12th annual Global Powers of retailing report. The report identifies the 250 largest retailers around the world based on publicly available company data for the 2008 financial year. Woolworths was ranked 22nd, up from 25th in the previous year. We are also ranked 3rd in the Asia Pacific region. 

Who we look for

We want graduates who:

• Share our core values and a passion for a career in retail.
• Are enthusiastic team players who enjoy new challenges.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities through your commitment and performance in your current Woolworths role.
• Have an understanding of the entire Woolworths Limited business and the environment in which it operates
• Want to make a difference

Eligibility

• Be in your final year or recently completed an undergraduate degree or postgraduate study at university in a relevant discipline.
• Have a minimum of 12 months Woolworths Limited experience as a Woolworths employee in stores, support or distribution centres.
• Flexibility to work full time from the program start date, February 2011.
• Must be a Permanent Resident or Australian/NZ citizen.
• Be willing to relocate (If you do not already live in the Sydney area).

What we offer you

The opportunities which Woolworths Limited can offer graduates are endless.

Graduate Support Network

• You will be assigned a 'buddy' who is a current Woolworths Graduate. Your 'buddy' will assist you with your transition into your new role.
• Participation in a mentoring program. Your mentor who is a Senior Business Manager will offer support, knowledge and insight in to the business.
• Nominated Business Sponsor to provide business support and assist with the formation and development of your program.
• Participation in an extensive orientation program.
• Opportunity to engage and brainstorm with current graduates to discuss issues and ideas.
• Stay in touch with a regular graduate newsletter, linking you with past and current graduates.

Rewards and Benefits

• Fantastic career opportunities within Woolworths Limited.
• Opportunities to transfer within business units across all Woolworths Limited brands.
• Ongoing development supported through the Graduate Program.
• Competitive base salary and performance related rewards.
• Relocation assistance.
• Stable work hours.
• Social and networking opportunities.

How we help you develop

On Job Program

Our Graduate Programs are underpinned by a series of 'job rotations'. Job rotations provide a graduate with increased exposure to different business areas accelerating development, motivation and commitment to the program.  Elements of the on job development include:

• Clear and specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) developed in consultation with Line Manager prior to each rotation.
• Learning from the team – gain valuable technical knowledge and skills through on job development.
• Learning from Line Managers – receive regular feedback, support and guidance.
• Learning through projects – gain insight and knowledge on project methodology, develop networks and refine influencing skills.
• Regular reviews – conducted by Line Manager to ensure you are achieving all you can.

Off Job Development

Off job development will be focused on the following areas:

• Extensive orientation – addressing site induction, program overview and networking with Senior Managers..
• Self Development and Change – focused on understanding and managing change.
• Positioning yourself for Success – examining values and principles, proactively and importance of choice.
• Successful influencing –  targeting skills to influence and managing conflict.
• Transition  - addressing review and reflection.
• Personal Effectiveness – provide participants with the skills and knowledge to:
  • Be able to effectively plan and prepare for a presentation.
  • Demonstrate confidence when presenting to groups of people.
  • Be aware of their own mannerisms and body language when presenting.
  • Maximise the transfer of information by utilising the presentation tools.

What you get out of it

In consultation with your Stream Manager we will align your skills, interests and career expectations with a permanent position. Of course, how you performed during your time on the program will be linked to how you will be rewarded and the position you may be offered at the end of the program.  With the performance review & development process, you will have a good idea of how you're tracking and what you can expect in terms of salary and position.

Traditionally full time positions have been offered to graduates across the business ranging from Supermarkets, Logistics, Liquor, BIG W, Dick Smith, Information Technology, and Buying & Marketing.

When to apply

Applications open 15th February 2010 and close on 22nd March 2010.

Position Locations

The 2011 graduate roles will be located at our Sydney Support Offices at Bella Vista, Pennant Hills and Chullora.

Logistics graduates will spend at least two rotations (three months per rotation) at Sydney Basin Distribution Centres, which are located at Erskine Park, Yennora
and Minchinbury.

All our roles are in Sydney. This means that if you are living interstate you will need to relocate. We know this may be a daunting experience, hence we will help support and coordinate your move and also assistance with your relocation expenses.