Wolseley UK has announced that it is opening its 2017 graduate scheme to fill 15 positions.

The company is currently recruiting for a cohort of driven, talented and ambitious graduates to join three separate programmes; Finance Leadership, Operations Leadership and Commercial Leadership.

The graduate programme immerses individuals into the Wolseley UK business and its brands such as Plumb Center and Pipe Center. It offers training as well as practical experience within in-branch operations.

Sarah Gore, head of resourcing at Wolseley UK, said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Wolseley. In September 2016, we announced a major programme to transform the way we serve our customers, following a wide-ranging review of our plumbing and heating operations. We’re now in the process of bringing our plumbing and heating businesses together under our Wolseley banner. Our ambitious plan to be the first choice specialist merchant for our customers is based on a real understanding of what they really value and how we can help our customers grow their businesses.

“We’re delighted to be opening our Graduate Scheme to the next wave of business leaders and this year we are doubling the positions available to 15.

“Each year we are blown away by the high quality of applicants. We pride ourselves on our graduates and ensure that the new starters get the chance to meet and spend time with those completing their first year with us, as well as senior team members. Wolseley UK is dedicated to investing in its staff and creating an enjoyable working environment that both supports and challenges are individual staff.”

Those successful candidates will embark on a two-year scheme that will put them at the heart of the business. The scheme has been designed to grow the next generation of leaders, by giving the practical experience needed to take on a leadership role within the company.

Throughout the two years graduates will undertake four rotations, each lasting for a period of six months, which will provide them with a comprehensive overview of the business’ operations. These placements will be UK-wide ensuring that the graduates’ experience the plumbing giant as a whole.

From day one, graduates will be hands on working with customers and operations in busy branches to understand how Wolseley UK conducts its business. The graduates will spend time in the field or head office, developing professional skills alongside Wolseley UK industry leading employees.

Depending on the programme, chosen graduates will experience the following teams:

  • The operational team that is at the forefront of Wolseley’s trading operations providing the exceptional levels of service required to grow the business. These roles are primarily responsible for ensuring the business provides exceptional customer service and delivers significant profitable growth by developing and achieving its ambitious sales targets. Typical operational roles can include local network managers, area trading managers, regional trading directors and operations managers
  • The finance team deliver expertise in areas such as transactional finance and financial accounting and control. Head office teams deliver crucial financial support to the business from two sites, one in Ripon, North Yorkshire, and the other in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
  • The commercial teams are at the core of Wolseley’s business dealing with a range of matters including commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and e-commerce, as well as product quality matters.