At Canada's largest grocery retail chain, innovation is not always driven by big ideas,
according to human resources Executive VP Judy McCrie. "Often it is the small suggestions that have the greatest impact," she says. And a university-graduate hiring program at Loblaw Companies aims to help find those small suggestions. "Our
grad@Loblaw colleagues are contributing some meaningful ideas that
help us in our drive to ensure great customer service and quality value
product offerings."
The program offers full-time jobs to recent university graduates, immersing them in the business through an 18-month process during which they work in stores, then in the merchandising department, then in various departments suitable to their education. Throughout, there is an emphaisis on idea generation, the company says. "We encourage a culture of innovation and mentorship with our
grad@Loblaw colleagues to help foster new ideas within a foundation of
best in class business practices," McCrie says.
Announced last year, the program aims to hire 1,000 graduates by 2014. The current round of recruiting is accepting applications until October 7 for positions beginning in January 2011.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Judy McCrie, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Loblaw Companies