At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Retail Graduate Management Programme and develop your leadership skills across various business areas.
- Company: Lidl, a dynamic retailer with a collaborative culture and a focus on impact.
- Benefits: Earn £40,000, enjoy 30 days holiday, a company car, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in retail management with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:2 degree by September 2026 and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career progression.
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.
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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.Â
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 09/01/2026
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
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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.
Retail Graduate Management Programme employer: Lidl GB
Contact Detail:
Lidl GB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Graduate Management Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Lidl inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since assertiveness is key for this role, try mock interviews with friends or family. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences, the better you'll shine on assessment day.
✨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 give you a heads-up about opportunities or the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lidl and ready to take that first step towards an exciting career.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Graduate Management Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique experiences and what makes you tick – it’ll help us get to know you better.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Retail Graduate Management Programme. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your leadership potential and adaptability.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity at Lidl! Whether it’s our commitment to diversity or the chance to develop your management skills, expressing genuine enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We receive a high volume of applications, and it’s best to get yours in early to avoid disappointment. Head over to our website and apply now!
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 Retail 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.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your assertiveness, communication skills, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight how you've made a difference in previous roles or projects.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the programme, the company culture, or the specific challenges Lidl faces in retail management. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if Lidl is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
While Lidl has a casual work environment, it's important to dress smartly for your interview. Aim for business casual attire to make a good first impression. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the interview process.