Graduate Programme 2026
Product & propositions (2 years)
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Commercial Office. In the Commercial Office we put customers at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose is to turn strategy into value by delivering products and experiences that customers love. We maximise commercial value through data and insights and build lifelong connections through a range of marketing channels.
In this placement you will rotate around various Product & Proposition teams – this will help you see how we develop and manage our products and services from early proposition development and testing, through to delivery, ongoing product management and commercial performance of the products.
You will develop your technical, commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills whilst also understanding what our customers want and how we can best meet their needs across the group.
You’ll get first-hand experience from several teams on your placements, which could include working on:
* Early discovery work to understand the customer desirability, commercial viability and do-ability of new propositional ideas
* Supporting the risk agenda by ensuring that all of our products and services are safe compliant with product regulations, internal compliance and risk reporting requirements
* Sharpening your commercial acumen by supporting our pricing teams with changes that will manage both income and balance sheet performance
* Learn how to communicate and engage with customers and colleagues about our products and services and look for ways to proactively improve customer and colleague journeys– working with marketing, digital, operations and branch teams to shape improvements
Graduate Programme: Key Information
- Programme Commences: 7th September 2026
- Programme Duration: 2 years
- Starting Salary and Band: £29,500pa
- Location: Manchester City Centre and Hybrid - you will also need to travel to Coventry when required.
- Applications: Please note we may withdraw this vacancy once sufficient applications have been reached.
Your placements
Placements will vary depending on business needs at the time as well as being tailored to your areas of interest. Each placement is designed to develop your commercial and strategic thinking, negotiation and influencing skills and understanding of how our Bank works. Our two and three year Graduate schemes provide a structured development programme. You’ll develop key leadership skills and competencies and gain knowledge and experience through a series of placements across your chosen business area.
Fantastic support
There’s much more to our graduate programmes than on-the-job experience. We’ll give you all of the tools we can to drive your career and develop you as a person. You’ll have access to all the support you need, but the ultimate responsibility for shaping your development will be yours. Your Business Sponsor will review and appraise your performance, providing feedback and coaching at every step of the way to ensure your success and personal growth. We’ll also assign you a senior leader mentor and work with you on a personal development plan to draw together technical training and personal and professional learning to help you grow your skills and gain a relevant apprenticeship.
Are you made of the right stuff?
We’re looking for commercial thinkers with real enthusiasm, energy and potential. Level headed with a mind full of bright ideas, you’ll crave responsibility and have the drive to see things through from start to finish. A great communicator who can connect with anyone – whoever they are, you’ll enjoy taking on new challenges and creating and developing new products and ideas that will shape the future of banking.
Graduate Programme: Application Process
What you’ll need
Above all you must be passionate about looking at things differently to shape the future of banking.
Entry Requirements:
- On course for, or have achieved a 2:1 degree or above in any discipline or a 2:2 degree with a Masters
- Eligibility to work in the UK
Our assessment process
We’ve designed our process so we can get to know each other better along the way. We’ll ask you to participate in:
- Online application and screening
- Video Interview
- Assessment Centre – weeks commencing 23rd-27th March (In person, located at our HQ in Manchester)
- Final stakeholder interview
We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time.
Our Bank is passionate and committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential.
At the beginning of the year, The Co-operative Bank officially became part of the Coventry Building Society Group. Together, we have shared values and an ethical approach towards our members, customers and colleagues.
If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact graduates@co-operativebank.co.uk
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.
*Rated by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Regional Banks sub-industry with a score of 11.2 as of 14 January 2025.