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- 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: Embrace diversity and thrive in an inclusive environment while shaping your future.
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 (Southampton)
- 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 30th January 2026 in Southampton
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.
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! Research the company culture, values, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Lidl employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. We all love a good chat!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment day! Brush up on your leadership skills and think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your assertiveness and confidence. Practice makes perfect, so get ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lidl and ready to take that next step in your career journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Graduate Management Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're 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 Retail Graduate Management Programme.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight experiences that showcase your leadership skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at Lidl!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this programme. Use it to connect your experiences with the key responsibilities of the role. Keep it concise but impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lidl GB
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Lidl thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specifics of the Retail Graduate Management Programme. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
Since this programme is all about developing future leaders, be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences. Think of examples where you've taken initiative or led a team, even in informal settings. This will demonstrate your readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Practice Common Interview Questions
Familiarise yourself with common interview questions, especially those related to teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview, making a strong impression.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if Lidl is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the company culture or opportunities for growth within the programme.
