Vacancies
Business Transformation Graduate Scheme

Business Transformation Graduate Scheme

Posted:

06 Oct 2025

Hybrid (Leicester)

Graduates

Fixed Term Contract

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Overview

At Dunelm, we empower our graduates to grow by stepping into new experiences - confidently and with support.

Our graduates are encouraged to explore fresh ideas, take on new challenges, and build confidence in unfamiliar situations. As market leaders, we value innovation, individuality, and a mindset that helps you make smart decisions and shape a career that grows with you.

Be comfortable thinking big.

Ever wondered what it feels like to help shape the future of a business and make a real difference to our customers? Our Business Transformation Graduates are doing just that - leading bold, exciting projects that put our customers at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it’s creating smoother shopping experiences, smarter tech solutions, or more efficient ways of working, every project is designed to make life easier, better, and more joyful for the people who shop with us. The impact? It’s huge. These changes are helping us serve our customers faster, more personally, and with even more of the products they love.

Joining this team means stepping into a space where ideas matter, innovation thrives, and your voice is heard. You’ll be part of a warm, supportive environment where you’re encouraged to think big, challenge the norm, and help build something remarkable - with the customer always front and centre.

Ready to make a real difference? Let’s transform the future together

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

We’re looking for curious, driven individuals who are ready to learn and grow. You’ll need:

Great organisation and planning skills
Clear, engaging communication and the confidence to work with people at all levels
A flexible, can-do attitude and a problem-solving mindset
Some project management experience is a bonus - but the potential to develop is essential
You’re confident, curious and ready to challenge the norm

Please note: We will evaluate any applicants who do not have all the relevant qualifications.

We believe in behaviours that help our people thrive:

Customer First – You care deeply about delivering great experiences and putting our customers at the heart of everything you do.
Growth Mindset – You’re open to learning, feedback, and continuous improvement.
Being Curious – You ask questions, seek out new ideas, and explore better ways of doing things.
Connecting – You build strong relationships and collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
Taking Responsibility – You own your actions, follow through, and make things happen.

What happens after the programme?

By the end of the two years, you’ll have built a strong foundation across multiple areas of the business. Whether you see yourself as a Product Owner, Business Analyst, or something else entirely, we’ll support you to find the right next step. There are no limits - just opportunities.

This role is based out of our Syston, Leicester office, with a minimum of three days per week on-site. This could be our support sites, stores or distribution centres. However, you may be involved in projects that require travel to our stores or other Dunelm sites, so flexibility is important. Access to a car or reliable transport links would be beneficial to support travel requirements.

Please be aware: We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The assessment centre for this role will take place on Monday, 24th November 2025, at our Store Support Centre in Syston, Leicester.

D&I statement

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Work your way

We want our colleagues to feel at home wherever they work, so that they are comfortable and can be their best selves. In addition, we want everyone to feel connected to the business, our strategy and the teams they work with.

Where hybrid working is applicable, colleagues need to strike the right balance to fulfil both of these important factors. You will find the right mix of being at home, in the office & out in the business, bearing in mind business needs, job role and level of responsibility.

Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here

From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we're committed to supporting our colleagues in every area – and at every stage – of their lives. Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Look in our toy box

Of course, you should never judge a business by its tech stack. But take a peek at the range of technologies our engineers and developers are currently playing with.

Keep on growing

We want you to get as much out of working with us as possible. That's why we'll do everything we can to engage you in the process of learning, and encourage you to explore new opportunities around your particular skills and interests. For you, this includes:

Housewarming & Settling In where you can find out more about the wider business, our culture, behaviours, networks and wellbeing support

Thrive, our learning and skills platform which gives you a blended, bite-sized, social learning experience with learning relevant to your role

Our Enterprise Leadership Programme designed specifically for our strong growth potential Heads of Department to help them reach the next level in their career

Our INSPIRE Programme designed for our strong growth potential senior managers across the business to enhance their leadership capability

Our EXPLORE Programme designed to prepare our next generation of Line Managers

Personal Effectiveness workshops and self-led learning, also delivered through Thrive

Apprenticeships opportunities relevant to your role – from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) through to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters)

Colleague Development Fund to support colleagues in accessing external training relevant to your role

Coaching and mentoring opportunities to support you in your current role and help you prepare for the next

Self-awareness tools to help you understand what really matters to you, and where your own talents and ambitions lie

Progress conversations that reflect on how you're doing and define your focus areas for the coming months

I’m in my happy place when…

"I love my team. We have so much fun together, and I always look forward to coming into work."

Amelia, Buying Graduate

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"I was a Summer Intern last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it, which is why I then decided to apply for the Finance Graduate Scheme."

Bradley, Finance Graduate

Rewards you deserve

Along with competitive salaries, we offer a range of other great benefits to recognise the unique contribution you bring.

ShareSave scheme that enables you to save monthly and buy Dunelm shares at a discounted rate, building up your investments for a rainy day

Access to wellbeing support as and when you need it, including an online GP for you and your immediate family

Salary Advance so you can access up to 50% of the money you've earned during the month, rather than having to wait until pay day

Instant discounts with a range of other companies to help you stretch your budget

Pension contributions to help you save for your retirement

Continuous training and coaching to ensure you feel confident in your current role and ready for any new challenges

Colleague networks that give everyone a voice and create an environment where we all feel at home

Outstanding development opportunities and all the support you need to grow your career the way you want

33 days annual holiday plus your birthday off to celebrate, and another day when you move home, so you can get settled in

Generous discounts on all our own products, in-store and online to help you make your house a home

Cycle to work scheme to help you keep your fitness up and your travel costs down

Charity day off (paid, of course) so you can volunteer for a charity that matters to you

Free on-site parking (excluding London office) and good public transport links

How did we get here?

Today, Dunelm is a leader in the £11bn UK homewares market. With over 170 stores across the country and a successful online operation – dunelm.com – we offer over 60,000 products across a broad range of categories. But where did it all begin?

1979

Founder, Bill Adderley and his wife Jean take on a stall in Leicester Market selling curtains. Within a month, they make 600% profit.

1984

First bricks-and-mortar store founded in Churchgate, Leicester.

1988

With momentum growing, first flagship store opens in Leicester, East Street, offering warehouse facilities for expansion across the region.

1991

First superstore opens in Rotherham, offering premium brands such as Dorma, which the company goes on to acquire.

1996

Bill's son Will is appointed CEO of the company, following in his father's footsteps.

1999

Now a household name in the Midlands, Dunelm Mill opens a head office with warehouse facilities in Syston, Leicestershire.

2001

The acquisition of a small custom-made curtains business marks the start of Dunelm's made-to-measure service.

2002

A landmark year as Dunelm Mill opens its 50th store and a new central warehouse in Burton. The company goes on to open new stores at a rate of 10 each year.

2005

A fully shoppable website goes live, with a dedicated warehouse below our Radcliffe store

2006

Dunelm floated on the London Stock Exchange, marking the beginning of a new era for the company.

2010

In Liverpool, the company opens its 100th store, having celebrated its 30th birthday in 2009.

2011

To accommodate continued growth, Dunelm builds a new head office in Syston.

2013

Company rebrands from 'Dunelm Mill' to 'Dunelm' – reflecting what our customers have called us for years.

2016

Our family grew to include Worldstores.

2018

Nick Wilkinson joins the business as our new CEO.

2021

To accommodate our continued growth, Dunelm opens a fourth warehouse in Daventry.

2022

Launch of our ‘Conscious Choice’ collection – homeware that lasts longer and is made from more sustainable materials.

2022

Our third Delivering Joy Christmas campaign, with stores supporting over 700 local community causes and donating more than 61,000 gifts.

How to apply

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