Graduate Program - UNIQLO Management Candidate Program (Feb 2026)

UNIQLO Management Candidate(UMC Program)

As the leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, UNIQLO operates more than 2,500 stores across 26 markets worldwide. Australia is a key market for UNIQLO in establishing our presence in the Asia and Oceania region. Since opening our first store in Emporium Melbourne in April 2014, UNIQLO has expanded to 39 stores across VIC,NSW,SA,WA,QLD,ACT(as of November 2024).

To support our continued business expansion in Australia, we are actively recruiting new graduates to join UNIQLO as UNIQLO Management Candidates (UMC).

What you’ll do as a UMC

As a UNIQLO Management Candidate (UMC), your journey begins in one of our Australian stores, with the goal of becoming a UNIQLO Store Manager within 12 months.

You will receive support and guidance from both our Training Department and your Store Manager. From day one, you’ll learn from the ground up—starting with foundational tasks such as cleaning, folding, and replenishment—to fully understand and embody UNIQLO’s operational standards and customer-first philosophy. Throughout the program, you’ll also receive hands-on training in core retail management skills, including:

• Delivering UNIQLO’s exceptional customer service and maintaining brand experience
• Assessing and implementing visual merchandising to meet brand guidelines
• Supervising, motivating, and developing your team to drive performance and retention
• Creating and managing effective work schedules to ensure smooth store operations
• Monitoring inventory levels and identifying operational improvements to drive efficiency

You’ll go through monthly evaluations to track your development, identify areas for growth, and prepare for your Store Manager promotion interview after 12 months.

Your career path

Once promoted, you’ll manage your own multi-million-dollar store. Every six months, you’ll have the opportunity to take on greater challenges. You will progress to Senior Store Manager, overseeing larger-scale operations, then advance to Area Manager, managing multiple store locations. With continued success, you could grow into the role of General Operations Manager, with responsibility for operations across various states

In addition to the retail career track, Store Managers may also explore opportunities in corporate roles at our Melbourne Store Support Centre, or take on international leadership roles within our global talent pipeline.

Who can apply

• Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents at the time of application can apply.
• You will or have recently completed a Bachelor's degree(or above) in any discipline (graduate between 2024 to 2026)
• You can commence full time from February 2026
• You are flexible to relocate throughout Australia(currently we have stores in WA/SA/VIC/NSW/ACT)
• You are flexible to work during our store operation hours on a roster basis including some evenings and public holidays

Let’s talk about You

We’re looking for future global business leaders—not just those who are a fit for today, but who will grow with us for the long term. To thrive as a UMC, you should strive to—or already—demonstrate the following:

• A Passion for Retail: You have a genuine interest in the retail industry and understand both the opportunities and challenges of working in a fast-paced store environment.
• Commitment to Excellence: You continuously pursue improvement and aim for the highest standards in everything you do.
• Leadership Ambition: You are eager to lead a team and inspire others through your own actions and work ethic.
• Market Insight: You possess a strong understanding of the Australian retail and clothing industry and can communicate your insights clearly and logically.

Why join us?

1. Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset

At UNIQLO, you’ll grow into a world-class manager by embracing daily challenges, solving real business problems, and making decisions that directly impact the business. Our training combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, helping you turn knowledge into practical skills through real store operations and continuous feedback.

2. A Fully Merit-Based Culture

We believe in performance over tenure. If you demonstrate strong leadership and results, you can rapidly progress—regardless of your age or how long you’ve been with us. High performers may quickly advance to manage larger stores or take on higher-impact roles.

3. Regular Career Development

You’ll have biannual career reviews with HR and your manager to align on goals and growth. With a clear development plan, you can take on expanded responsibilities and explore corporate or international opportunities, including assignments at headquarters or overseas.

4. Global Exposure

Every year our new store managers from around the world gather at the Fast Retailing Global Convention in Japan. As a store manager in Australia, you’ll be part of this global event—learning best practices, gaining international insights, and bringing new ideas back to lead locally and grow globally.

5. Perks and Benefits

• Employee discounts of up to 30%
• Employee Group Profit Sharing Plan
• Attractive and generous Bonus Structure Plan twice per year
• Opportunities to work in different states, with Employee relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Opportunities to travel to our Global Convention in Japan

Next steps

Sounds like an exciting opportunity and ready to change the world? 

Apply Now! We’d love to hear from you.