Retail Management Graduate Programme

International. Sport enthusiasts. Collaborative team members. Stronger together through our driving force to move people through the wonders of sport. 

At Decathlon UK, we offer Careers That Let You Play. As part of the DECATHLON Group, one of the world's largest sports retailers headquartered in France, we specialise in creating sport products and distributing them through online and physical stores across 56 countries with over 1,700 locations. With over 40+ stores in the UK, our mission is to be the spirited cheerleaders of sports and healthier living in the nation!

As a Decathlon Graduate Trainee, you'll be at the heart of our dynamic team, bringing energy, and enthusiasm, and igniting a love for sports through every customer interaction.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for sports into a career, join us for a thrilling 18-month graduate placement where you'll be immersed in sports retail. This is not your typical 9-to-5 desk job; this is an opportunity to be on the front lines, inspiring customers and helping them discover their sports. 

The role 

MONTH 1-2: Induction as Sport Advisor (Sales Assistant) 

Upon crossing the starting line, you will begin as a Decathlon Sport Advisor to learn about Decathlon through a deeper lens and understand the fundamentals of the Company such as our values, culture, and overall strategy. This is also the point where you master the shop floor’s processes, rules, and standards such as customer service, deliveries, layout, and more. At Decathlon, we believe that the greatest leaders are doers and so the mastery of the fundamentals will be integral in your success within the project! 

MONTH 2-9: Your journey to becoming a Department Manager 

Now that you’ve mastered the shopping playground, it’s time for you to embark on managerial duties! This stage will let you discover and learn about a sport department’s functions to prepare you for becoming a department manager. You will touch on the basics of management such as talent acquisition, management fundamentals of Decathlon, commercial dynamism, understanding economic performances, product and stock management, customer satisfaction, store operations, and learning to lead and train. You will also begin to work on your mid to long-term career trajectory and mission in the Company. 

MONTH 9-18:Your journey to becoming a Store Manager

Now your role will be to support the Store Manager in accelerating the business’ growth by developing and following your local store project. Both operational and strategic, this role will allow you to advance within the business management spectrum by learning how to lead and animate monthly debriefs within your team, planning and forecasting your manpower, and hosting efficient meetings.

Once you complete the programme, your performance and development will be evaluated to understand if you will need more time to train on specific topics or if you could be ready to be the next leader to champion a store!

The goal at this stage is to be a Decathlon Store Manager sometime between Month 12 to Month 18.

The highlights of the programme 

Comprehensive Training: Receive in-depth training on our products, brand philosophy, and customer-centric approach.

Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals who are passionate about sport and retail.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with local and international industry experts and fellow sports enthusiasts at workshops, events, and conferences.

Career Development: Gain valuable skills and experience that will open doors for future opportunities within our company and beyond.

The player we’re looking for:

At Decathlon, we all play to win and your development is no game to us. To succeed in this program, we will need you to: 

• Have a genuine passion for sports and a desire to share that passion with others.

• Be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with a diverse group of teammates 

• Thrive in a dynamic and high-paced team environment 

• Play with a team and have the willingness to learn and adapt 

• Adapt or have a proactive and can-do attitude 

• Demonstrate leadership skills 

Highly Desirable Qualifications:
While we welcome applications from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, candidates with the following attributes will find themselves particularly well-prepared for this role:

• Recognition Beyond Academics: Demonstrated achievements or awards that showcase dedication, talent, or excellence outside formal educational requirements.

• Active Participation in School or Sports Societies: Involvement in school, community, or sports organisations, showing a proactive and team-oriented approach.

• Retail, Customer Service or Hospitality Experience: Prior part-time work in customer-facing roles (such as hospitality or retail), which contributes to strong interpersonal and service-oriented skills in high-pressure environments.

• Relevant Internship or Work Placement: Hands-on experience through internships or work placements in corporate, nonprofit, or other professional environments that align with their area of study.

• Leadership Experience: Leadership or captaincy roles in school organisations, sports teams, or community groups, reflecting an ability to motivate, guide, and inspire others.

Specific eligibility:

• Graduated within the past 2 years with a 2:2 degree in any discipline

• Availability on weekends and holidays, is essential for the dynamic nature of a retail role 

• Fully Mobile to relocate within the region 

• Have the right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor graduates at the moment)

Perks waiting for you: 

🎁 Play your favourite sport regularly. This is a passion-meets-profession opportunity! 

🎁Up to 28 days holiday with the option to carry over a maximum of five days each year

🎁Healthy employee discount on all Decathlon products

🎁24/7 Mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme 

🎁Cycle-to-Work Scheme

🎁Gym, food, and travel discounts 

🎁Intensive training and development opportunities 

… and many more