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Human Sciences
Oxford University |
Strategy Programme Manager
"One of the most rewarding experiences I enjoyed as part of the scheme was being able to follow through the creation of a new product from concept to customer."
"I joined Cadbury in 2004 on the Sales & Marketing scheme. I worked in four different roles in my two and a half years on the graduate programme, which provided plenty of challenges, excitement and an incredibly steep learning curve, both in terms of business and personal development.
"One of the most rewarding experiences I enjoyed as part of the scheme was being able to follow through the creation of a new product from concept to customer. As Assistant Brand Manager for Bassett's, I worked on defining the brand strategy and was involved in the creation and development of a new product - Bassett's Party Babies. I then moved to a role in our project management team, where I project managed Party Babies development & launch, coordinating a cross-functional team, including colleagues from our Spanish factory. These two placements combined meant that I was involved at every step of the process; from tasting new recipes, to brainstorming product names, leading project team meetings and working with the factory to trial and develop the products. At the launch date, I was in my third placement in field sales, selling in the product that I had spent the past 16 months working hard to deliver.
My fourth and final role was as Customer Category Manager in our Channel Marketing department. This continued my immersion in the customer facing side of the business, where I was responsible for High Street accounts such as Boots, Superdrug & WHSmiths. In this role I worked closely with the National Account Managers and I got valuable experience meeting with buyers in sometimes tough negotiation meetings, putting forward range and merchandising proposals, selling in our new products, and analysing and reporting on sales performance in the accounts.
"The cross functional experience you get as a graduate gives you a unique experience and has given me a real understanding of the time and effort invested into our products, all the people and processes involved along the way, and the all important customer/consumer reaction at the end of the chain. It also gives you a rounded perspective on both what’s important internally to Cadbury, and what’s important externally to our customers and consumers, which builds your judgement and allows you to be an effective decision maker.
"There are certain things that struck me whilst on the graduate scheme. For example, the opportunity and encouragement to get cross-functional experience both during and after the scheme. There is a strong focus on personal development - getting feedback from your teams and reviewing this regularly to help you develop your skills and approach effectively. The build in the level of responsibility you enjoy as you progress, and the team working. Importantly, the graduate scheme is not only a great career opportunity; it also provides a valuable social group, which becomes another form of support alongside your managers, colleagues and mentor. There really is a great balance of both support and freedom to develop."