Undergraduate Commercial Assistant

CO-OP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension with employer contributions

Onsite gym access

Coaching and training

Stream app - access to a percentage of

Grocery Aid

Job summary

Co-op is seeking a driven undergraduate to join its Commercial team as a Commercial Assistant on a 12-month placement based at our Manchester HQ. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced retail environment, helping to shape products and promotions customers see daily.

You’ll manage data, support the buying team with reports, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders to keep everyone aligned.

Qualifications

• Studying towards a business-related degree.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks.
• Comfortable working with data and spotting patterns.
• Proactive and eager to learn.
• Clear communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Keep product, price, and supplier data up to date.
• Support the buying team with reports, documents, and meeting prep.
• Communicate with stakeholders to align on goals.
• Load promotions and commercial terms into systems.
• Resolve payment and price queries quickly.
• Track timelines and flag risks to the team.
• Attend meetings and training to develop knowledge.
• Join a fast-paced retail environment and contribute to strategies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Data interpretation

Proactive learner

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing a business-related degree

Job description

We're looking for a driven and ambitious undergraduate to join us as a Commercial Assistant on a 12-month work placement. You'll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced retail environment. This is your opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a team that shapes the products and promotions our customers see every day. Why this role matters Our Commercial team helps make sure we have the right products on our shelves, at the right price and promoted in the right way. As a Commercial Assistant, you'll help keep things running smoothly by managing data, supporting projects, and working with colleagues across the business. Your work will help us deliver strategies that make a real difference to our customers, member-owners and communities. What you'll do

• Keep our systems up to date with accurate product, price, and supplier data
• Support the buying team with reports, documents, and meeting preparation
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to keep everyone aligned
• Help load promotions and commercial terms into systems
• Resolve payment and price queries quickly and efficiently
• Track timelines and flag risks to the team
• Attend meetings and training to build your knowledge and skills
• Make sure we're compliant with legal and regulatory requirements
  We're committed to making our opportunities as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you'll need to bring:
• Knowledge from studying towards a business-related degree
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
• Confidence working with data and spotting patterns
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work with others
  At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• Coaching and training to support your career development
• Stream app - giving you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn
• Grocery Aid - 24/7 access to a range of emotional, financial, and practical support services for you and your family