Kingfisher International Graduate Programme
The Brief: designing a programme that enables the business to grow its international capability by developing internationally-minded and well-rounded graduates
I worked as Group Talent Manager for four years at Kingfisher plc, an international home improvement company with over 1,470 stores and a team of 82,000 colleagues, operating in eight countries across Europe under retail banners including B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Screwfix.
As the Graduate Programme Manager, I was in charge of the recruitment and end-to-end management of the graduates. I very quickly realised there was an opportunity to develop a new and unique programme that would support the business to grow its international capability whilst enabling graduates to develop a multi-functional and international experience. At that time, Kingfisher was implementing a transformation plan to centralise the commercial functions, generating a need for employees who can understand working across countries and understanding multiple aspects of the business.
The aim of the new International Graduate Programme was to offer the graduates rotations in different countries and functions, whilst working as a team on a sustainability project, so that they could quickly develop a robust understanding of the organisation and grow a successful career in the retail industry.
Recruitment
In order to recruit a diverse cohort of graduates, we partnered with business schools and universities in the UK, in France and in Spain. We organised assessment centres in the UK and in France so that we could involve business managers from the different retail operating companies of the group. It was also critical to include a commercial exercise based on home improvement products in the assessment centre, to give the candidates a flavour of the business’ products and challenges.
I also introduced strengths-based recruitment practices, working with Cappfinity to design the whole recruitment journey and include strengths at all the touchpoints with candidates.
The programme
The graduates had a different placement every 6 months so that they could learn about a new function and be fully involved in a project. They all started with a store placement in order to understand the business from the front line and experience life in a store. Most of them changed countries for their new placement, with the support of the group’s mobility team.
The development programme started with an induction week, during which the graduates met business leaders from multiple functions. It was also the opportunity to kickstart their sustainability project by visiting a recycling centre. We also included soft skills development workshops and activities to build a strong team spirit. Throughout the programme, the graduates met every 6 months for action learning sets and development workshops to empower them to grow further. The emphasis was on knowing themselves and developing a fearless leadership style. At the end of the programme, the graduates had the opportunity to present the outcomes of their sustainability project to the group’s leadership team.
Each graduate was mentored by a business manager and received ongoing support and coaching from the Graduate Programme Manager.
Feedback
“During my 2 years on the Kingfisher graduate programme, Catherine was the link between the Group and our current placement in the Operating Company, taking the time to regularly check if everything was going well. She was also checking our needs in terms of training. It gave me the feeling of being supported by the company. She was present, and at the same time let us drive our graduate experience the way we wanted to. Sometimes, interests diverge but she always tried to find a way out by the top. She definitely is a part of my growth.”
Max Brossaud | Kingfisher Graduate 2014-2016
"I have had the chance to work with Catherine when completing my Graduate Programme at Kingfisher plc. Catherine was then the Graduate Programme Manager. I appreciated her management style as she was regularly checking on us, both professionally and personally, while constantly looking after our development. Catherine is a dedicated listener and she was able to help me whenever I needed it. Besides, Catherine organized and piloted insightful training workshops in line with the company's strategy to help us fit in as quickly as possible. Thanks to Catherine's guidance, I was able to link up with the relevant stakeholders at Kingfisher plc and decide on the relevant job placements I should pick to shape up my young career. Catherine's support and coaching have proven invaluable to me."
Lucas Fiabane | Kingfisher Graduate 2016-2018
“My work with Catherine first began while I was on a Graduate Scheme in London that she was Programme Manager for. We were a group of 9 very diverse profiles, and Catherine was responsible for our development programme.
The programme was very well planned to help us develop professionally – we had regular trainings on a quarterly basis of tangible skills to transfer on to our roles, such as interpersonal relationships, difficult conversations, embodying confidence, … all crucial for young professionals.
Catherine also worked hard to create an atmosphere for us to approach her openly regarding any questions or issues that arose. The learnings from this programme are skills I continue to apply in my professional life, and now share with other colleagues (especially junior colleagues).”
Estefania Guzman Cordero | Kingfisher Graduate 2016-2018