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Inside View: Dixons Retail Group

European electronics retail giant with stores in 28 countries wants MBAs who think strategically but don't feel they're better than everyone else!

By  Ifeatu Nnaobi

Mon May 17 2010

BusinessBecause
This week, we speak to Jemima Diab, Recruitment Business Partner at Dixons Retail. Jemima has been with Europe’s leading electricals retailer for nearly three years and is experienced in recruiting from graduate level through to senior management.

Dixons Retail Group plc is a specialist electrical retailer and services company which sells consumer electronics, domestic appliances, communication products and related services.

The Dixons chain includes the popular PC World and Currys, Dixons Travel, KNOWHOW and DSGi in the UK & Ireland, UniEuro and PC City in Italy, Electro World in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Turkey and PIXmania based in France.

The group operates through 1,200 stores and online, and employs over 38,000 people. Jemima shares some of the Group's growth plans. She says they have plenty of room for MBAs and the Group is currently recruiting for Head of Programmes and Development Manager in the UK!

What are your favourite things about working for Dixons
I really enjoy the open atmosphere here. Dixons is a place with lots of opportunities for career progression if you have the right skill set. You are also encouraged to experience different parts of the business, including taking advantage of international opportunities. If you have great ideas and can articulate them well, you will be listened to.

Does Dixons recruit MBAs?
We are always on the lookout for people with great skill sets and so when it comes to our more senior management roles like those in the commercial development section of the business we recognize the value of MBAs.

We have hired a number of MBAs in the past but the focus is having the right skills to match the job and the right level of experience. Some exciting positions that MBAs have filled include commercial development roles, logistics, and supply chain roles.

Can you share some details about the company’s growth strategy?
We are opening more branches and increasing our range of online services as part of our multi-channel growth strategy. Our main focus is to give clients the unbeatable combination of value, choice and service. To do this we are transforming the business by expanding our store range, broadening the choice of products, improving the levels of services and enhancing the buying experience on the internet.

Do you have any advice for MBAs who want to work with Dixons?
Working with Dixons is very different from, say, working in the consulting world. We place an emphasis on project work and team work so we need people who can relate well with colleagues. We want those with strategic mindsets but who don’t feel that they are better than everyone else.

To get hired, you should also really understand our business and have visited our shops. You won’t believe how many people come in for interviews and have never visited one of our shops.

If you are interested in MBA roles at Dixons, they are currently hiring Head of Programmes and Development Manager based in the UK. You can apply for those roles through their website.

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