Early Careers Consultant (Apprenticeships Specialist)

Lidl GB; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking an Apprenticeship Specialist to manage and develop their apprenticeship programmes. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing apprenticeship frameworks, strong stakeholder management skills, and a collaborative mindset. This role offers a hybrid working model, combining office and home work, and includes a competitive salary and benefits package including holiday and discounts.

Benefits

35 days holiday

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

Sabbatical

Enhanced family leave

Non-contractual London weighting

Qualifications

• Previous experience in managing apprenticeship programmes, ideally in a retail environment.
• Proven experience with external apprenticeship providers.
• Ability to analyse data and provide actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage Lidl’s apprenticeship portfolio.
• Develop strategies to attract and retain apprentices.
• Monitor provider performance and conduct audits.
• Provide insights to senior leadership on programme improvements.

Skills

Experience in managing apprenticeship programmes

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Job description

Summary

£49,500

• up to £66,000
• per annum | 35 days’ holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

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.

As the Apprenticeship Specialist you will be responsible for Lidl’s apprenticeship programme, ensuring the successful delivery and continuous improvement of all apprenticeship programmes, including our Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. Your role will be pivotal in upskilling and engaging our colleagues, working closely with our operations teams to make the programmes a success, and in helping us to recruit a wider, more diverse workforce. The role will sit within our Learning & Development team, and work to support Lidl’s commitment to developing future leaders and providing high-quality learning opportunities.

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you’ll find the work / life balance you need to thrive.

What you'll do

• Own, manage and develop Lidl’s apprenticeship portfolio, including the Degree Apprenticeship programme, working closely with our partner university.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract, retain, and develop apprentices across all business areas.
• Partner with internal teams (HR, Operational Departments, Learning & Development) and external providers to ensure programme success.
• Act as the primary point of contact for apprentices, managers, and learning providers.
• Monitor provider performance and conduct regular audits to maintain quality.
• Track and report on key metrics such as retention, completion rates, and progression outcomes.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership on programme improvements.
• Innovate and enhance apprenticeship offerings to align with Lidl’s business needs and industry best practices.
• Oversee apprenticeship levy utilisation and ensure cost-effective programme delivery.
• Supporting the team with ad hoc projects when required including: Graduates Internships and Placement programmes.

What you'll need

• Previous experience in managing apprenticeship programmes including degree-level apprenticeships is essential, ideally in a retail environment.
• Proven experience in managing relationships with external apprenticeship providers.
• Experience working with apprenticeship standards and frameworks is essential.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to analyse data and provide actionable insights.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Collaborative and confident in fostering constructive dialogue and influencing decisions at all levels.

What you'll receive

• 35 days holiday (pro rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Sabbatical
• Enhanced family leave
• Pension scheme
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve
• Includes a 10% non-contractual London weighting

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.