Sales, retail & commercial services graduate jobs & schemes 2025

This sector includes roles in sales, business development, merchandising, buying, and store operations. Common graduate jobs include:
 

Sales & Business Development

• Sales Executive / Account Manager
• Business Development Associate
• Commercial Graduate Trainee
• B2B / Corporate Sales
   

Retail & Store Management

• Retail Management Trainee
• Store Manager (Graduate Programme)
• Visual Merchandising Assistant
   

Buying & Merchandising

• Assistant Buyer
• Merchandising Analyst
• Category Manager
   

E-commerce & Digital Retail

• Online Trading Executive
• Digital Merchandiser
• Commercial Analyst
   

Many large retailers, FMCG companies, and tech firms offer structured graduate schemes in sales, retail, and commercial functions.

Yes! Many leading retailers, FMCG companies, and B2B organisations run structured graduate programmes in sales, retail, and commercial functions. Some examples include:
 

• Retail & Supermarkets: Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer
• FMCG & Consumer Goods: Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, L’Oréal, Mars
• Tech & E-commerce: Amazon, ASOS, Boohoo, Shopify
• Luxury & Fashion: LVMH, Burberry, JD Sports
• B2B Sales & Software: Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, IBM
   

These schemes typically last 18–24 months, providing rotational experience across key areas such as sales, account management, merchandising, category management, and digital retail.

No, this industry is open to graduates from all disciplines. However, degrees in the following areas may be advantageous:
 

• Business & Management
• Marketing & Digital Retail
• Economics or Finance
• Fashion, Merchandising & Design (for fashion retail roles)
• Data Analytics or IT (for e-commerce and commercial roles)
   

Retail management and commercial graduate schemes focus more on leadership potential, people skills, and business acumen rather than specific degrees.

• Communication & Negotiation – Sales and commercial roles require strong persuasion skills.
• Customer Service & Relationship Building – Key for both B2B and retail careers.
• Analytical & Data Skills – Buying, merchandising, and digital sales require a data-driven mindset.
• Resilience & Target-Driven Attitude – Sales roles can be fast-paced and competitive.
• Commercial Awareness – Understanding market trends and business strategy is crucial.
• Leadership & Team Management – Important for retail management roles.

Salaries vary depending on the role and company:
 

• Sales Executive / Business Development: £25,000 – £35,000 (plus commission)
• Retail Graduate Schemes: £28,000 – £40,000
• Buying & Merchandising Roles: £25,000 – £35,000
• E-commerce & Digital Retail: £26,000 – £38,000
• Luxury & Fashion Retail Management: £24,000 – £32,000
   

Sales roles often have commission structures, meaning earnings can increase significantly based on performance.

• Retail graduate schemes (especially in major supermarkets and luxury brands) can be highly competitive due to strong demand.
• B2B and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) sales roles have a high demand for graduates.
• Buying & merchandising roles are more competitive, as many candidates are drawn to these positions.
• Retail management and store leadership roles tend to be less competitive but require strong leadership qualities.

✔ Gain relevant work experience – Internships, part-time retail jobs, or summer placements.
✔ Develop commercial awareness – Research brands, understand market trends, and follow industry news.
✔ Work on soft skills – Sales and leadership roles require strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
✔ Learn data analysis tools – Excel, Google Analytics, and CRM systems like Salesforce can be useful.
✔ Network with professionals – Attend career fairs, LinkedIn events, and company open days.