Buying Operations Graduate Programme

£40,000* per annum | 30 days holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a whole lot in common. We’re curious, collaborative, and ready to make a tangible impact on where we work. Just like you.

Become the Data Dynamo that Drives Our Business! As a Buying Operations Graduate, you won’t just process data, you will be the backbone of our commercial operation. You will ensure the seamless journey of every product, from initial vendor agreement to appearing on the shelf, is underpinned by flawless data and impeccable documentation.

• Owning and maintaining the integrity of all product and vendor Master Data within our proprietary system.
• Maintaining all essential supplier agreements and contracts, ensuring we are compliant and ready for business.
• Collating, verifying, and preparing all relevant operational data needed by our Buying and Supply Chain teams.
• Acting as a vital link between Buying, Logistics, Finance, and our Suppliers, ensuring consistency and clarity across all teams.

The Lidl Buying Operations Development Programme offers an intense and challenging, yet hugely rewarding 23-month period of structured professional growth. You will get stuck in right from the beginning, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience across the entire supply chain. This includes spending time on the shop floor and in our regional Distribution Centres to understand the full process, and quickly taking ownership of the critical master data, contract, and communication processes that underpin our commercial success.

We are a business built on speed and ambition, and our graduates rise to the challenge. You will contribute to a supportive yet demanding atmosphere where we actively encourage you to express your views and make your mark. We look forward to seeing your application.

Closing date for Applications: 8th January 2026

Assessment Day to take place Friday 6th February 2026

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.

What you’ll do

• Your unwavering attention to detail is paramount in this role, ensuring our commercial processes operate flawlessly:
• Proactively manage and maintain all Master Data records to the highest quality standards, ensuring absolute accuracy and integrity across our core systems.
• Draft and meticulously process essential supplier agreements and contracts, safeguarding legal compliance and commercial readiness.
• Systematically gather, verify, and organise all vital data and information required by the wider Buying and Operations teams.
• Prepare and execute clear, precise communications to key partners, particularly Supply Chain and Logistics, ensuring full consistency across all operational planning.
• Provide indispensable administrative and organisational support to the Buying team, enabling them to focus on core purchasing decisions.
• Engage fully with the business, taking the initiative to quickly learn and understand the intricate workings of our retail and supply chain model.

What you’ll need

• You are the linchpin who ensures precision across our operations. To excel in this role, you will demonstrate:
• A naturally highly focused and accurate approach, underpinned by an uncompromising commitment to maintaining high data quality and accuracy in every task.
• You are deeply process driven, approaching and resolving complex problems logically and calmly, always seeking structured solutions over short-term fixes.
• A strong multi-tasker who can confidently manage conflicting deadlines, adapt to last-minute requests with ease and efficiency, and thrive in a rapid-pace environment.
• A self-motivated individual who can work efficiently independently, yet always brings a positive attitude and the willingness to collaborate well as part of a high-performing team.
• Excellent and confident communication skills (both written and verbal) to liaise effectively with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Written and spoken German would be desirable, though it is not essential for the role.

What you’ll receive

• 30 days holiday (pro rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Pension scheme
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve

*includes an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.