Acquisitions Graduate Programme

Acquisitions Graduate Programme

City of London Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The Retail Appointment Live

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join Lidl's Acquisitions team to secure prime retail sites and drive growth.
  • Company: Lidl, a leading retailer with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
  • Benefits: 30 days holiday, 10% in-store discount, company car, and gym discounts.
  • Other info: Dynamic programme with opportunities for nationwide travel and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree by 2026 and a full UK driving licence.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Overview

Build the future with Lidl. Our Acquisitions team are shaping the landscape of retail by securing sites that support Lidl’s growth. From identifying prime locations, to negotiating deals and managing current acquisitions & planning applications, our Real Estate teams are behind every new Lidl store, and you can be part of it!

The Lidl Acquisitions Graduate programme gives you the opportunity to rotate through our Acquisitions and Real Estate departments, learning how we source, assess and secure the best retail sites in a competitive market. You’ll be solving complex challenges in a fast-paced environment, while following a structured training programme that gives you real world experience and exposure to the full development cycle. From site selection through the planning process, to stakeholder management and operational excellence, you’ll develop the skills needed to succeed in one of the UK’s most competitive industries for the fastest growing bricks and mortar retail.

If you’re driven, curious and ready to make a real impact, this is your chance to build something extraordinary on our Acquisitions Graduate programme! We look forward to seeing your application.

This is a nationwide programme across all our regional offices and our Head Office, please state your preferred region in the application question.

Closing date for Applications: 19.10.2025

What you\\\’ll do

  • Develop acquisitions expertise and skills
  • Spend time in our Retail, Logistics and Real Estate teams, giving you great all-round knowledge of our business
  • Learn how a rapidly growing retail business operates from the ground up
  • Take on real project responsibility and make a tangible difference to our business
  • Gain exposure to a national Real Estate team and learn the market inside out
  • Understand how a successful Real Estate team operates and what skills you need to thrive

What you\\\’ll need

  • A minimum 2:2 degree awarded in 2024, 2025 or 2026, but must be graduated by September 2026
  • Possession of a full UK driving licence by 1st February 2026
  • To be legally entitled to work in the UK on a full-time basis
  • To be a true people person with energy, passion, resilience and adaptability
  • Ability to communicate confidently and effectively across all levels of the business
  • A passion for playing your part in a team and ability to work independently
  • Self-motivation and determination to succeed in a fast-paced, challenging environment
  • A desire to learn and develop new skills while challenging yourself in your work
  • Be assertive and confident
  • To live or have the ability to commute within one hour to our regional locations or Head Office, and have the flexibility to travel nationwide as the business requires from time to time.
  • Able to attend the assessment day on 01.12.2025

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
  • plus an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance

You’re Lidl like us. 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.

You will need to live – or be ready to relocate – within a commutable distance from the Real Estate Office you apply to.

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Acquisitions Graduate Programme employer: The Retail Appointment Live

Lidl is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering graduates the chance to develop their skills in a fast-paced retail environment. With a structured training programme, competitive benefits including a company car and generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for real project responsibility, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact while growing your career within one of the UK's leading retailers. Join us at Lidl, where your contributions are valued and your professional growth is supported.
The Retail Appointment Live

Contact Detail:

The Retail Appointment Live Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Acquisitions Graduate Programme

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Lidl employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the Acquisitions Graduate Programme. Building connections can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for your assessment day by practising common interview questions and scenarios related to acquisitions and real estate. Think about how you would approach site selection or stakeholder management. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for retail and acquisitions during interviews. Share specific examples of what excites you about the industry and how you’ve demonstrated resilience and adaptability in past experiences. Let your enthusiasm shine through!

✨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 Lidl and ready to take that next step in your career with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Acquisitions Graduate Programme

Acquisitions Expertise
Real Estate Knowledge
Negotiation Skills
Project Responsibility
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Self-Motivation
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Confidence
Resilience
Learning Agility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Acquisitions Graduate Programme shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to shape the future of retail with Lidl!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. We love seeing how your background fits into our fast-paced environment, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Remember, less is often more!

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, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on making your application the best it can be.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Retail Appointment Live

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Lidl's Acquisitions and Real Estate departments. Understand their recent projects, site selection strategies, and how they negotiate deals. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Show Your People Skills

Since this role requires strong communication and teamwork, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others. Think about times when you’ve had to adapt or resolve conflicts, as these stories will highlight your people skills and resilience.

✨Demonstrate Your Drive

Lidl is looking for candidates who are self-motivated and eager to learn. Prepare to discuss your career aspirations and how this programme aligns with them. Share specific instances where you've taken initiative or gone above and beyond in your studies or previous roles.

✨Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the challenges the Acquisitions team faces or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you’re thinking critically about the position and are keen to contribute meaningfully.

Acquisitions Graduate Programme
The Retail Appointment Live
Location: City of London
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