Our values
Our values have both guided and united us since the company was founded in 2007. They are the foundation of our culture, embedded in everything we do and create.
Our shared values are
We are one team
We believe in people
We are entrepreneurs
We are constantly improving
We are aware of the costs
We are straightforward and open-minded
We keep it simple
Your Career
A job at COS is different for everyone: some colleagues join us while studying at university or college, while for others, their ambition is to pursue a career in retail or fashion. No matter what your motivations are, your time with us should be well spent, and we offer a variety of opportunities to help you fulfil your needs.
If you are looking for progression, we will encourage you to take ownership of your career and help you to achieve your goals. As well as excellent training, annual appraisals and regular feedback – you’ll also have access to our online learning portal with hours’ worth of e-training materials, podcasts and videos.
For managers, we partner with specialist organisations to provide leadership training and seminars that cover a variety of other topics. For some senior roles, we also offer the chance for colleagues to transfer to other cities/countries to complete short-term projects, or in some cases, fill longer-term business needs.
Inclusion
COS is present in over 30 markets around the world. As a global company our goal is to reflect the multicultural world of our colleagues and customers.
We know that inclusion and diversity is a complex and layered topic, with ever-changing issues and challenges across the many countries and cultures in which we operate. The culture we want to build on at COS is one where inclusion and diversity is always our priority.
Since our launch in 2007, we have always strived to be a value-driven company. Inclusion and diversity is about who we are and who we want to be. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination of any kind. We recruit, promote and reward our teams according to their contribution, achievements and commitment to our values.
#Life@cos
Meet our team
COS, alongside Arket, Monki, Weekday, Afound, & Other Stories, H&M, and H&M Home is one of eight unique brands that make up the H&M Group. The H&M Group employs over 170,000 people in 74 markets across the globe, and we are the 2nd largest fashion group in the world.
What truly makes us stand out are our incredible colleagues. Whether they work in store, in one of our regional offices or at our head office in London – they all share an ambition, and an anything-is-possible attitude. It’s thanks to them that we have grown.
Meet some of our team to hear about their career story so far...
Aryan | Learning & Development Manager
Can you tell us a bit about what you do in your role?
As a learning and development manager, my job is to develop an engaged, diverse and high performing team so that COS can continue to grow each year. To achieve this, I work closely with our HR team to create a learning and development strategy. This includes, reviewing the materials we use to train our team and producing new learning programmes too.
What was your background?
My first job ever was a trainer, which is lucky because it is a career path that I have fallen in love with. Even after 17 years, it still doesn’t feel like work. Helping people develop is my passion – it’s so rewarding to see someone transform – professionally and personally – to achieve their goals.
What do you love about working for COS?
Our culture is unique and wonderful. We support each other to take risks, make mistakes and excel. Plus, it’s always nice to work for a brand whose products you absolutely love.
Nelly | Sales Advisor
What is the best thing about your role?
The people I work with – no question. Even though I wasn’t looking to move into management, I have really enjoyed watching others progress into new roles they want. I also like how newcomers are made to feel welcome. As a team we always try and make sure that there’s a positive atmosphere – no matter how busy we are.
Is there any advice you would give to someone interested in a career at COS?
If you’re looking to work your way up the fashion or retail ladder, then COS is one of the places to be. If you’re open minded and flexible, there are so many opportunities to learn and progress. The brand is supportive of people who want to develop. They invest time and resources to ensure that the quality of training they get is of a high standard. Over the years I have learnt a lot, especially when I was given the chance to help with the expansion projects. This gave me the opportunity to meet new people and experience different cities.
Pavlina | Assistant Buyer
How did you get to where you are now?
After graduating as a fashion designer, I worked as a garment technologist and jewellery designer for a couple of years. I wanted to learn more about the business side of fashion, so I joined COS in one of their London stores. I was soon made a team leader and then moved into the head office when a position in the buying department became available.
What is the best thing about your role?
Every day is a learning opportunity in the buying department. A buyer can influence all stages of a products, from the design sketch to how it’s presented in stores, so you get to work with different teams across this business. As a result, my skillset is always developing and there’s always lots of opportunities to challenge myself.
What do you like about working for COS?
At first, I fell in love with the products. But after I worked for the company, I realised that it is the people, culture and values. I love the diversity within the teams too. Everyone has different backgrounds, but we share the same values and similar mindsets.
Arthur | Floor Manager
How did you get to where you are now?
I trained as a florist back in Paris, but decided I wanted a change in career. I was always a fan of COS and liked the correlation it has with design and architecture, so when I moved to London, I applied for a position in the Regent Street store. In 2018, I was accepted for a trainee floor manager program where I learnt everything about the role by shadowing my mentor in her everyday tasks. After my training, I moved to our High Street Kensington store as a menswear floor manager before settling as ladies floor manager in our Knightsbridge branch.
What is the best thing about your role?
For me, I love watching my team grown and collaborating with so many people. We share so much on different levels as a team because everyone is from so many diverse backgrounds – culture, work experience and much more. You learn about who you are, and you learn about people every day.
What is the one thing you say to someone interested in a career in retail?
Be proactive and take any opportunity to grow that comes along.