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- Tasks: Make multi-million-pound decisions and negotiate the best commercial terms for our business.
- Company: Join Lidl, a leading discount retailer with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, 10% in-store discount, a company car, and more perks.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in buying and product management while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree by September 2026 and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
£40,000* per annum | 30 days holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Company Car
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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.
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Just like you.
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Our Buying team are experts at providing what our customers want: the best quality products at the best possible prices. Our buyers are involved in everything to do with the product -from idea creation and sampling, through to negotiations, range planning and packaging sign- off. Soon you could be doing this too!
The Lidl Buying Graduate Management Programme will take you through an intense and challenging, but incredibly rewarding two years of structured development. You will experience everything from working in our stores, negotiating products and contracts, developing exciting product ranges and learning the skills necessary to plan and manage a successful category. This role offers the long-term scope to become a permanent Assistant Buying Manager with opportunities for further long-term progression.
Our Graduates thrive in our fast moving, challenging environment where everyone has a voice, and we want to hear yours! In this role, you need to have a passion for retail and the desire to become an expert in your field. We look for individuals who are self-motivated and intuitive, with a constant desire to exceed expectations.
If you’re ready to make an impact and take ownership, come and join our successful Buying Graduate Management Programme! We look forward to seeing your application.
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Closing date for Applications:Â 19.10.2025
What will you do
- Make multi-million-pound decisions and negotiate the best possible commercial terms for the business - our success is down to you
- Own your categories - you could be working on one of our Food or Non-Food categories, or even planning ranges for the Middle of Lidl in our Food Specials team. You’re therefore responsible for not only the range planning and product development (chief taste-tester!), but also the ongoing management of category KPIs
- Manage products from initial concept through to launching in our depots and stores
- Demonstrate an ability to challenge the status quo and bring your own ideas
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and analyse data to support commercial decisions
- Constantly strive to improve our customer offer. Getting better never stops!
- Work as part of a team, but be equally happy working independently on your categories
- Spin lots of plates at any one time –striving under pressure & multi-tasking is your thing!
Qualifications
- Minimum 2:2 degree (in any discipline), awarded in 2024, 2025 or 2026, but must be graduated by September 2026
- Possession of a full UK driving licence by 1st February 2026
- Already live, or are happy to relocate within a one-hour commute of our Head Office in Tolworth
- To be legally entitled to work in the UK on a full-time basis
- German language skills are desirable but not essential (German can be useful in some departments more than others)
- Be passionate about the retail industry and a love for all things discount retailer
- Strong commercial acumen and an initiative-taker with entrepreneurial spirit
- Work well under pressure to tight and often conflicting deadlines
- Pragmatic, logical, resilient and quick thinking are all the words people would use to describe you!
- Be assertive and confident
- Able to attend the assessment day either on Tuesday 25th November 2025 or Wednesday 26th November 2025
Why this job
- 30 days holiday (pro rata)
- 10% in-store discount
- Company Car
- Pension scheme
- Discounted Gym
- Plus, more of the perks you deserve
Buying Graduate Management Programme employer: Lidl GB
Contact Detail:
Lidl GB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Graduate Management Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Lidl's values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be making multi-million-pound decisions, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical side! Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in the past. Bring examples of how you’ve improved processes or outcomes based on your analysis.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to network! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Graduate Management Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail: Make sure to express your love for the retail industry in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about working with products and making a difference in our customers' lives!
Highlight Your Multi-Tasking Skills: Since you'll be spinning lots of plates, it’s crucial to showcase your ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure. Share examples from your experiences where you successfully juggled various responsibilities.
Be Bold and Creative: Don’t shy away from sharing your ideas! We value candidates who can challenge the status quo, so include any innovative thoughts or concepts you have about product development or category management.
Apply Early!: With the high volume of applications we receive, it’s best to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and submit your application to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lidl GB
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into Lidl's Food and Non-Food categories. Understand their product ranges and think about how you could contribute to category management. This shows your passion for retail and helps you stand out as someone who’s ready to take ownership.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or made decisions under pressure. Whether it’s a group project or a personal experience, demonstrating your commercial acumen will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Lidl values innovation, so come prepared with ideas on how to improve their customer offer. Think about trends in the retail industry and how they could apply to Lidl. This will show that you’re not just a follower but someone who challenges the status quo.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit and Independence
Be ready to discuss how you thrive both in team settings and when working independently. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues.
