Our Business - Sales tracking and insight for the retail and technology markets GfK Retail and Technology UK Ltd is part of GfK, one of the largest market research companies in the world. It is the world's leader in tracking sales data within the technical consumer goods and entertainment media markets. POS data from retailers and resellers in countries across the world forms the basis of our research. Our StarTrack reporting platform compiles this data and provides retailers, manufacturers and industry leaders with comparable market reporting information at both country and international level. Our location West Byfleet, Surrey We are conveniently located 1 minute away from West Byfleet Station fast train to Waterloo 25 mins. Or Junction 11 off the M25. Our post code is KT14 6NL Interview process Usually, the interview process will be in one or two stages. The first stage will be a competency based interview with the recruiting line manager, plus either a relevant exercise, or two Saville & Holdsworth Psychometric Tests. Where there is a second stage this will comprise a further exploratory interview where you may be asked to undertake a presentation. You will have the opportunity to meet potential team members and see the environment in which you may be working. Induction training programme We have designed our induction training programme to ensure a fast and efficient introduction to the company. On your first day, you will be handed your Induction Training Programme and Personal Planner. This Planner will include the majority of the workshops that you will be attending, including dates and timings, and the details of the respective trainers. Most of the training is based on face-toface meetings with respective managers and work shadowing our experts. Buddy system New starters are assigned a buddy, who will be a similar level. This system is in place in order to help our new starter by providing friendly, informal advice and acting as a source of help and information. Candidate information 2012
E-Learning the path to expertise One of the main challenges faced when joining a commercial role with us is how to rapidly develop the expertise and knowledge necessary to be successful. Our e-learning initiative helps to achieve this goal - from the day you join our company, right through to senior management level - our customised e-learning programme accompanies you on your path to expertise. The programme is split into various modules which are subdivided into lessons. You can find out more about e-learning when you join us. Learning and development Additional in-house learning and development modules are run each year and delivered by our Knowledge Experts. The Workshops cover key topics which are essential for further development and knowledge. Further information is available in our Learning and Development Directory. Additional learning Company New Joiners Meeting this is an annual meeting held in Europe for all our new commercial individuals (after completion of probation period/1 st year of the e-learning programme and at Account Manager L1). The World of Market & Retail Experts meeting. This is the next level follow-on meeting from the new joiners meeting. In partnership with external partners We currently work in partnership with external training providers to cover the following topics:- People management (GfK Management Academy) Presentation skills Project management Business development Leading change Conference & platform speaking skills Negotiating & influencing Charity Committee Every year our employees vote on a number of charities, to select which will become our partners for that year and the beneficiaries of our annual fund-raising events. These fund raisers include everything from the small events in the office to the big events such as sponsoring individuals in the London marathon. In selecting our charities we like to include one local and one national (UK) charity to reflect those less fortunate across the country as well as supporting those in our local communities. The aim is to continue raising as much money as possible, make it enjoyable for our colleagues and continue to support individuals; charity efforts. Candidate information 2012 2
Pension Scheme We operate a Scottish Widows Personal Pension Scheme. Subject to the terms of the scheme (which may vary from time to time), permanent employees may join six months after the commencement of their employment with us on either 1 January or 1 July. You may, however, elect to make personal contributions after the completion of three months employment. We will match your contributions up to set limits, depending on your level. There are no limits to the amount of contributions you can make. However, if no payments are made from an individual then payment will not be made by the company. You can still join Scottish Widows if you have your own personal pension. Private medical insurance - BUPA Following the completion of six months employment, all permanent employees are eligible to join the BUPA Healthcare Scheme on either 1 January or 1 July. If you choose to join the scheme the company pays the BUPA membership charge and the only cost to you is a tax liability on the benefit in kind being provided. If you wish to include your spouse or children on the scheme, there will be a monthly charge which is deducted from your salary. Group life assurance scheme Providing you are aged not less than 18 years but not more than 65, you will be included in the scheme from the first day of employment. The life assurance benefit is a lump sum equal to six times your basic annual earnings from the company at 1 st September before the date of your death, or at the date you were included in the scheme if later. It will become payable if you die whilst an employee of the company before your 65 th birthday. Group long term disability insurance The scheme is provided entirely free of charge by the company and is designed to provide the bulk of your income should you become incapacitated for a prolonged period. The benefit will start to be paid after 28 weeks continuous illness (called the waiting period) and will continue to be paid until you recover from the incapacity, reach the age of 65 or die, whichever occurs first. Benefits are aimed at providing up to 70% of your net pay, not including car or fuel allowance, to include your national insurance contributions and contributions towards the company s pension Candidate information 2012 3
scheme. These are inclusive of social security invalidity benefits paid to you by the state. It is not a guaranteed payment and is solely dependent on the decision made by the insurance company. Bonus Payment We operate a discretionary bonus incentive scheme dependent on company/divisional performance. This is not a guaranteed bonus. All permanent employees will be eligible to participate, unless they have handed in their notice prior to 1 st February of the year when it is paid and falls due, which will then preclude them from any payment. Annual leave The holiday year runs from January to December. Standard holiday entitlement is 22 days, rising to 25 days after 2 years, to a maximum of 30 days after 10 years service. Holiday entitlement increases in line with seniority up to 30 days per annum. Part-time employees are eligible to a pro-rata entitlement of the full-time equivalent, based on the number of days worked per week. Car and fuel allowance Paid in accordance to level as follows:- AML2-3,744 SAM - 5,352 Account Director - 5,352 + Fuel Allowance 1,824 Business Group Director - 7,740 + Fuel Allowance 1,824 Childcare voucher scheme The company operates a salary exchange scheme which can assist permanent employees towards the cost of childcare. The vouchers can be used to pay for any form of legal childcare, ie registered or approved. To be eligible you must be a parent who has completed six months employment. UNUM LifeWorks (Employee assistance programme) We all face challenges in life that can take a lot of time to resolve and can result in a great deal of worry, frustration and distress, and there are occasions when an employee may need to talk to someone about any problems they may have, independent of their employer or someone in their family. In acknowledgement of this, the company offers the UNUM LifeWorks scheme to all permanent employees and their families from the first day of employment. This is an independent confidential advice service providing expert impartial help and support with all personal and work-related problems, including stress, bereavement, financial, relationship and legal difficulties. UNUM can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whatever your concern, they are there to help. Hours of work Full-time, hours of work are normally from 9.00am to 5.30pm (except on Friday when the working day finishes at 4.00pm!) with a 45 minute lunch break daily. Candidate information 2012 4
Long term service awards In recognition of loyalty and commitment to the company, employees reaching 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year service will be given a one-off reward of an additional 5 days holiday to be used within the anniversary year. In addition, those employees celebrating 10 and 25 years will receive a monetary award of 500 and 1,000 respectively. Car parking As there is limited car parking at the company s offices, spaces are allocated to individuals on the following criteria:- Seniority Length of service Client facing We recognise the cost of car parking is high. We therefore also aim to assist individuals who do not live within reasonable walking distance from the company s offices and who therefore travel to work by car, but are not entitled to a company car parking space. These people will have the option of receiving either a car parking permit for a local car park, or a taxable parking allowance (2012 = 324.00 per year) as a contribution towards the cost of parking. Employee referral scheme Once you have experienced what we have to offer you first-hand, we know you will want to encourage your friends and acquaintances to join us. In recognition of your recommendation, you will receive a reward in accordance with the new employee s salary, following the satisfactory completion of their probation period:- SALARY ( ) INCENTIVE PAID ( ) Up to 16,500 500.00 16,501-21,000 800.00 21,001-25,000 1,000.00 25,001-30,500 1,500.00 30,501-37,504 1,800.00 37,505-60,008 2,000.00 Candidate information 2012 5
Company discounts As one of our employees, you are entitled to the following discounts from external organisations:- Corporate rate with Nuffield Health, Fitness & Wellbeing, Pyrford Road, Pyrford Up to 65% with Toshiba Up to 25% with Atco Qualcast Up to 8% discount via Thomas Cook Staff Holiday Club Eye tests The company will reimburse the cost of an eye test (up to 25) and, where necessary, make a contribution towards the cost of glasses of 44.50 for those employees who use Display Screen Equipment. Eligibility is following the completion of six months probation and claimable once every two years. Sports and social fund To enable individuals to build relationships with each other in a more relaxed environment, the company will sponsor employees either by paying for, or subsidising, certain activities. Providing it is a legitimate activity such as football, badminton, etc and involves 5 or more employees, requests may be submitted by the team rep/organiser to the HR & Facilities Director for consideration. Chillax Whilst we are all very conscientious and keen to get the job done, we recognise the need to take a break away from your desk once in a while. For this reason, a communal room has been provided with kitchen facilities, tables, chairs and a TV. A small kitchen is also located on each of the floors, together with hot drinks vending machines and water coolers, all of which are free of charge. How do we have FUN? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (or so the saying goes!). We believe that this is true and whilst we all work very hard, we also know that it is important to have some fun along the way. Here is a small selection of the events we ve had over the past year or so:- Summer party for family and friends, including BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting Annual company communication event Christmas party In-house new joiner s lunch come along and meet other recent new starters and enjoy an informal briefing Regular quiz nights Other celebrations to mark achievement of company milestones Candidate information 2012 6
Contact us GfK Retail and Technology UK Sheer House Station Approach West Byfleet Surrey KT14 6NL Shani Orchard - HR & Facilities Director +44 870 603 8107 Catherine Roberson - HR & Talent Manager +44 870 603 8255 Candidate information 2012 7