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.