Graduate Management Programme
Graduate Management Programme

Graduate Management Programme

Newton Aycliffe Full-Time 40000 £ / year No home office possible
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Lidl GB

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Graduate Management Programme and develop leadership skills across various business areas.
  • Company: Lidl, a dynamic retail leader with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: £40,000 salary, 30 days holiday, company car, and in-store discounts.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and become a retail leader in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree by September 2026 and full UK driving licence.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.

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

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.

This is it. Your chance to experience life at Lidl and all it has to offer. With experience spanning across our stores, warehouses & regional offices, you’ll build your leadership skills and develop your knowledge to become a retail manager.

This programme is rotational, taking you on a 23-month learning journey that gives you the best possible exposure to our core business areas, along with a range of opportunities to build your experience, resilience, and business acumen.

What you’ll do
Year 1: You’ll spend time in each of our core business areas:

  • Sales (store-based, 16 weeks): You’ll gain experience in key store roles, starting as a Customer Assistant and working your way up to store management.
  • Logistics (warehouse-based, 16 weeks): You’ll learn the fundamentals of logistics and warehousing by rotating around our 3 core warehouse areas before joining the warehouse management team.
  • Supply Chain (regional office-based, 16 weeks): You’ll discover how to order products, manage quality and freshness, and deal with suppliers in our complex supply chain.
  • HR (regional office-based, 4 weeks): You’ll discover how our HR teams facilitate the recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of our regional departments.
     

Year 2: You’ll choose the specialist route you want to take in store, warehouse, or supply chain management. You’ll then spend the next year honing your expertise and crafting your management experience to get the most out of your programme, putting you in the best position to take your career to the next level.

This programme is not for the faint hearted, but for the right characters, we offer a real opportunity to develop into a retail leader with the drive, confidence and skill set to succeed. 

What you’ll need

  • Minimum 2:2 degree (in any discipline), awarded in 2024, 2025 or 2026, but must be graduated by September 2026
  • A full UK driving licence by 1st February 2026
  • To live, or be ready to relocate, within a commutable distance from your chosen Regional Distribution Centre
  • To be legally entitled to work in the UK on a full-time basis
  • Assertiveness and confidence in your communication skills
  • The desire to learn, develop and succeed in a fast-moving, challenging environment
  • Able to attend the assessment day on  19th January 2026

What you’ll receive

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

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.

If you’re ready to get stuck in, want to get more out of your career and make a real difference, find your place at Lidl and apply now.

 

Graduate Management Programme employer: Lidl GB

Lidl is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering a unique Graduate Management Programme designed to develop future retail leaders. With competitive benefits such as 30 days holiday, a company car, and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, employees are empowered to make a tangible impact while honing their skills across various business areas. Join Lidl to embark on a rewarding career journey in a dynamic and fast-paced retail environment.
Lidl GB

Contact Detail:

Lidl GB Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Management Programme

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know Lidl inside out! Research the company culture, values, and recent news. This will help you connect your experiences to what they’re looking for during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s a mock interview with friends or recording yourself, being assertive and confident in your responses is key to making a great impression.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Lidl employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lidl team!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Management Programme

Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Assertiveness
Confidence
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Business Acumen
Resilience
Team Collaboration
Customer Service Skills
Logistics Knowledge
Supply Chain Management
HR Processes Understanding
Desire to Learn

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your unique personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Be genuine and express your enthusiasm for the Graduate Management Programme.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences that align with Lidl's values. Highlight your curiosity, collaboration, and readiness to make an impact – these traits are what we’re looking for!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential and fit for the role.

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the high volume of applications we receive, it’s best to apply as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lidl GB

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand Lidl's core business areas and the Graduate Management Programme. Familiarise yourself with their values, especially around collaboration and making an impact. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.

✨Show Your Leadership Potential

Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated leadership or teamwork. Whether it's a group project at university or a part-time job, be ready to discuss how you took initiative and contributed to a team's success. Lidl is looking for future leaders, so highlight your assertiveness and communication skills.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the rotational aspects of the programme or how Lidl supports its employees' development. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if Lidl is the right fit for you.

✨Be Yourself

Lidl values individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Be authentic and express your passion for retail and management. Remember, they want to see the real you and how you can contribute to their diverse team.

Graduate Management Programme
Lidl GB
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Lidl GB
  • Graduate Management Programme

    Newton Aycliffe
    Full-Time
    40000 £ / year

    Application deadline: 2028-07-25

  • Lidl GB

    Lidl GB

    London
    1930

    Step into our world and make the future yours. Lidl is one of the world’s leading supermarkets with quality products and low prices. We opened our first GB store in 1994 and have been growing ever since – with over 980 stores, 13 distribution centres, and 35,000 colleagues across the UK! We’ve got loads of ambition – and we’re passionate about developing our future leaders. That’s why our graduate programmes are the best in the business. We want to give our grads the chance to step up, stand out, and make their mark on a growing business. Whether you join…

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