Homeland Management Development Programme

Aurivo Co-operative Society Limited; Sligo; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded Retail Excellence course

Travel across store network

Mentoring by Branch Managers

Job summary

Aurivo is launching the Homeland Management Development Programme, a structured, fully paid 2-year development pathway designed to build the next generation of retail leaders within Aurivo Agribusiness. You will gain hands-on experience across Homeland stores, guided by Branch Managers and leadership teams to develop skills in store operations, customer service and people leadership.

The programme combines on-the-job learning, mentoring and a fully funded Retail Excellence course.

Qualifications

• Strong customer focus and commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to learn and a proactive attitude.
• Good organisational, problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Driving licence and access to transport.
• Relevant qualification or experience in business, retail, agriculture or related discipline (advantage).

Responsibilities

• Gain experience in the day-to-day operation of Homeland stores with Branch Managers.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build strong customer relationships.
• Merchandising, stock control, seasonal product management, yard operations and product knowledge.
• Support sales growth, KPI delivery and overall store performance.
• Develop people leadership skills through team coordination and supervision.
• Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers and internal colleagues.
• Use internal systems and processes to support efficient store operations.
• Support key commercial and administrative activities, including customer account setup and credit control.
• Maintain high standards in health and safety, compliance and store presentation.

Skills

Customer service

Store operations

Merchandising

Stock management

People leadership

Team coordination

KPI delivery

Credit control

Health and safety

Education

Business/Retail/Agriculture qualification

Job description

Homeland Management Development Programme 2-Year Paid Development Programme

Aurivo Agribusiness - Homeland Stores Locations across Mayo and Donegal.

About Aurivo Aurivo is one of Ireland's leading agricultural co-operatives, operating across dairy processing, milk distribution, animal feed milling, agri-retail, e-commerce, garden centres, livestock marketing and sports nutrition.

With over 700 employees, Aurivo plays an important role in supporting farming, rural communities and customers across the west and north-west of Ireland. Aurivo Agribusiness is delivering on an ambitious growth strategy, with continued investment in our Homeland retail network, expanded category and digital offerings, and innovative customer-focused solutions for the agri and retail sector.

Programme Overview

The Homeland Retail Management Development Programme is a structured, fully paid 2-year development programme designed to build the next generation of retail leaders within Aurivo Agribusiness.

Through hands-on experience across our Homeland store network, you will work closely with experienced Branch Managers and leadership teams while developing a broad understanding of store operations, commercial performance, customer service and people leadership in an agribusiness retail environment.

The programme combines practical on-the-job learning, mentoring and formal training, including a fully funded Retail Excellence course. On successful completion, participants will be well placed to progress into future leadership and management opportunities within Aurivo Agribusiness.

This programme is suitable for experienced or early-career retail individuals or recent graduates with a strong interest in building a career in retail management.

Some travel across the store network will be required as part of the programme.

What You'll Gain

• A clear pathway into retail and agribusiness management
• Practical experience across a busy and growing Homeland store network
• Exposure to key areas including store operations, merchandising, stock management, commercial performance and people leadership
• Mentoring and support from experienced Branch Managers and senior leaders
• Structured reviews and development planning
• A fully funded Retail Excellence course delivered throughout the programme
• A strong foundation for future progression into leadership and management roles within Aurivo Agribusiness

Key Responsibilities

Throughout the programme, you will gain experience in and support:

• The day-to-day operation of Homeland stores, working closely with Branch Managers and store teams
• Delivering excellent customer service and building strong customer relationships
• Store merchandising, stock control, seasonal product management, yard operations and product knowledge
• Supporting sales growth, KPI delivery and overall store performance
• Developing people leadership skills through exposure to team coordination and supervision
• Building effective working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal colleagues
• Using internal systems and processes to support efficient store operations
• Supporting key commercial and administrative activities, including customer account set-up and credit control processes
• Maintaining high standards in health and safety, compliance and store presentation

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for ambitious, motivated individuals who are eager to build a long-term career in retail and agribusiness management.

Essential

• A strong customer focus and a genuine commitment to delivering excellent service
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• Good organisational, problem-solving and time-management skills
• A genuine interest in the retail and agribusiness sector
• A driving licence and access to transport
• A relevant qualification or experience in business, retail, agriculture or a related discipline (advantage)

Why Join Aurivo?

This programme is a structured career pathway within one of Ireland's leading agribusinesses. You will gain the skills, experience and formal development needed to build a successful career in retail management within our growing Homeland store network.

At Aurivo, you will be part of a business that is rooted in rural communities, committed to customer service, and focused on developing future leaders for the long term.

Career Progression

The programme is designed to prepare participants for future management opportunities within the Homeland retail network. On successful completion, participants will be well positioned for progression into roles such as Assistant Manager, Branch Manager, Specialist commercial/store operations roles or other leadership opportunities across Aurivo Agribusiness. (subject to business requirements)

Application Process

Closing date 23rd October 2026.