- Over two years, graduates will complete three rotations across the business, building skills in data and analytics, digital and AI, commercial acumen, customer understanding and transformation
- The programme forms part of Sainsbury’s broader commitment to developing the next generation of retail leaders
Sainsbury's has welcomed its first cohort of FutureMaker graduates, marking the launch of its new flagship graduate programme.
Designed to develop the next generation of retail leaders, the two-year programme offers graduates a structured development pathway with three rotations across the business and builds the future skills retail needs, including data and analytics, digital and AI, commercial acumen, customer understanding and transformation. Graduates take on real responsibility from day one, developing experience that helps them better understand and serve Sainsbury’s customers, supported by a trained line manager and a buddy.
FutureMaker forms part of Sainsbury's broader early careers and talent programmes. It complements KickStarter, Sainsbury’s recently launched Modern Work Experience Programme, which will create around 10,000 opportunities for young people alongside a new industry pilot with The Careers & Enterprise Company, the Institute of Grocery Distribution and other retailers. Together, they underline Sainsbury's commitment to developing talent at every stage, from first experiences of the workplace through to developing future leaders.
Kat Sherwood, Director of Talent, Performance and Leadership at Sainsbury’s, said: "We're delighted to welcome our first FutureMaker graduates to the business this week. Our people are at the heart of our business, and this programme is about investing in brilliant people at the start of their careers and giving them the skills, experience and support to grow with us. We can't wait to see the impact they'll make."
Recruitment for the 2027 cohort opens in February. More information can be found via our Careers website in due course: https://www.sainsburys.jobs/teams/early-careers/
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Notes to Editors
About Sainsbury’s
Offering delicious, great quality food at competitive prices has been at the heart of what we do since John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury opened our first store in 1869. Today, inspiring and delighting our customers with tasty food remains our priority and our purpose is clear – we make good food joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone, every day.
Our focus on great value food and convenient shopping, whether in-store or online is supported by our brands – Argos, Nectar, Tu Clothing, Habitat and Smart Charge. Sainsbury’s has more than 600 supermarkets and over 885 convenience stores. Argos is a leading digital retailer with over 80 per cent of its sales starting online and 20 million active customers. Digital and technology enables us to adapt as customers shop differently and our profitable, fast-growing online channels offer customers quick and convenient delivery and collection capability.
About FutureMaker
FutureMaker is Sainsbury’s flagship graduate programme, designed to develop the next generation of retail leaders. Over two years, graduates complete three rotations across the business, building skills in areas including data and analytics, digital and AI, commercial acumen, customer understanding and transformation, while taking on real responsibility from day one.
About Kickstarter
Sainsbury’s KickStarter scheme will bring together two connected pathways designed to support young people at different stages of their journey:
KickStarter Explore (14–18 years)
A blend of in-school learning and practical work experience, co-designed with The School Outreach Company. The programme will help young people build confidence, develop workplace skills and discover the wide range of careers available at Sainsbury's and the wider retail sector.
KickStarter Insights (16–24 years)
This programme is co-designed and delivered in partnership with Sainsbury’s Early Careers team, youth employment charity Movement to Work and specialist partner Aim a Little Higher. These regional employability workshops will help young people strengthen communication skills, prepare for interviews and applications and take their next step into work.