Putting u in Southern Co-op
As a business with a clear purpose of giving back, building a career at Southern Co-op has never been more rewarding. Whether you’re at school, studying at college or university, a graduate, or looking for a career change or your next move, take a look at what we have to offer.
All work and no play makes Jack (or Jackie) very dull so enjoy your time away from work. We value your loyalty so your leave increases the longer you work for us
Your colleague membership card gives you a range of discounts including 10% discount in our retail stores (and 20% discount on payday weekends!)
The cost of looking after your family's everyday healthcare can soon mount up and it really hits your budget if everyone needs something at the same time. A Healthcare Cash Plan is a simple and an affordable way for you to spread the cost of bills, paying the same amount each month and then claiming money back for check ups and treatments
All colleagues are eligible to participate in our bonus scheme which is based on the profit we earn during each financial year
Save up for something special and get a helping hand from both Southern Co-op and the government. Wait for 5 years and then start taking your money tax-free
Financial help for your dependents to give you peace of mind
Save for your future - your savings are topped up by both Southern Co-op and the government
Donate your time and expertise to give direct help to others
When you join, we want to help you succeed in your role and feel part of our team as quickly as possible. The Academy, our learning and development function, is available for all colleagues, no matter what their career aspirations are.
We have training programmes: Welcoming U, Developing U and Growing U; all are practical and, as the name implies, focussed on you.
This is our induction programme where you receive a mix of on the job learning as well as eLearning to support you in getting to grips with the basics of your role. To help you with additional knowledge, virtual training sessions take place during your 16 week probationary period too. This combined approach helps you on the way to be brilliant in your role.
It doesn’t stop there. We want to give you more learning opportunities and experiences so you can develop even further. You’ll work alongside your colleagues but also access various live training sessions to help gain management skills including communications and employee relations.
Want to go even further? We’ve got your covered! We offer accelerated programmes that take you from duty manager to store manager in a matter of months. You’ll work with a dedicated store training manager and have access to a wide range of training sessions.
Client Experience & Aftercare Manager
In 2014 I returned to living in the UK and needed a job that fitted around my children. I started as a part time funeral coordinator in Ashvale and initially didn’t know if I could look after the families. I threw myself into the community and after a couple of months, I became full time and moved to Farnborough, which was our busiest branch with 200+ funerals per year. The branch was failing at the time and I worked with my manager to turn it around. This led to an opportunity to become a Sector Operations Manager with a great team. In 2018 I was seconded to become Regional Manager alongside my SOM role with the support and development of my line manager. When a full-time position became available, I applied and was successful. My proudest moment was my quick promotion into Regional Management looking after 3 sectors.
My message to colleagues is go for it, focus on giving the client and the deceased the best care, support and experience and opportunities to develop will be there.
Client Experience & Aftercare Manager
In 2014 I returned to living in the UK and needed a job that fitted around my children. I started as a part time funeral coordinator in Ashvale and initially didn’t know if I could look after the families. I threw myself into the community and after a couple of months, I became full time and moved to Farnborough, which was our busiest branch with 200+ funerals per year. The branch was failing at the time and I worked with my manager to turn it around. This led to an opportunity to become a Sector Operations Manager with a great team. In 2018 I was seconded to become Regional Manager alongside my SOM role with the support and development of my line manager. When a full-time position became available, I applied and was successful. My proudest moment was my quick promotion into Regional Management looking after 3 sectors.
My message to colleagues is go for it, focus on giving the client and the deceased the best care, support and experience and opportunities to develop will be there.
Recruitment Resourcer
I returned to the UK in 2022 after living overseas. In my previous role I worked as an office administrator and when I moved over here, I was open to different opportunities. I was fortunate to be offered a 3-week temporary position within Southern Co-op’s marketing team, the team I worked with were so welcoming and I felt part of the team immediately. At the end of my assignment an opportunity became available in the Recruitment Team at Southern Co-op, I was encouraged to apply for the role and was successful.
The recruitment team have been great with training, I work with caring and passionate people who enjoy finding new people opportunities within Southern Co-op.
I would definitely say take a chance at a new career path; it can be very rewarding.
Recruitment Resourcer
I returned to the UK in 2022 after living overseas. In my previous role I worked as an office administrator and when I moved over here, I was open to different opportunities. I was fortunate to be offered a 3-week temporary position within Southern Co-op’s marketing team, the team I worked with were so welcoming and I felt part of the team immediately. At the end of my assignment an opportunity became available in the Recruitment Team at Southern Co-op, I was encouraged to apply for the role and was successful.
The recruitment team have been great with training, I work with caring and passionate people who enjoy finding new people opportunities within Southern Co-op.
I would definitely say take a chance at a new career path; it can be very rewarding.
Area Manager
I joined Southern Co-op in October 2011 as a Trainee Manager through a graduate programme. Whilst on the programme, the business put me forward to complete a Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management.
I have worked across a range of departments at our head office in Lakeside. I was keen to start managing people and my dream became a reality overnight, with a team of 11 reporting into me as I led the Product Administrators. From there I was successful in becoming the Availability Manager.
I also completed my CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 and Apprenticeship, which I felt I gained the most real-world skills out of any course I've ever completed - and I've achieved 2 degrees. Since then, I've been lucky enough to lead a team of Store Managers as Area Manager on a secondment basis.
My advice to someone with aspirations - take as many opportunities as you can that are offered to you - secondments are great as they give you a taste of a different role. We have great internal courses here at Southern Co-op and I cannot praise the CMI apprenticeship enough.
Area Manager
I joined Southern Co-op in October 2011 as a Trainee Manager through a graduate programme. Whilst on the programme, the business put me forward to complete a Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management.
I have worked across a range of departments at our head office in Lakeside. I was keen to start managing people and my dream became a reality overnight, with a team of 11 reporting into me as I led the Product Administrators. From there I was successful in becoming the Availability Manager.
I also completed my CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 and Apprenticeship, which I felt I gained the most real-world skills out of any course I've ever completed - and I've achieved 2 degrees. Since then, I've been lucky enough to lead a team of Store Managers as Area Manager on a secondment basis.
My advice to someone with aspirations - take as many opportunities as you can that are offered to you - secondments are great as they give you a taste of a different role. We have great internal courses here at Southern Co-op and I cannot praise the CMI apprenticeship enough.
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