Retail Operations Graduate Management Programme

Lidl GB; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% in-store discount

Pro-rata holiday allowance

Company car

Pension scheme

Enhanced mentoring and development

London Weighting allowance

Job summary

Lidl GB invites ambitious graduates to join its Retail Operations Graduate Programme in the UK. You will spend Year 1 in a regional placement, developing core operations skills across Stores, Logistics and Regional Supply Chain.

In Year 2, you’ll relocate to Tolworth Head Office and specialise in Store, Warehouse or Supply Chain Management as you drive key projects. You will gain end-to-end exposure to Lidl’s product journey, forecasting, stock management and logistics planning, while building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Ability to travel regularly to stores and Regional Distribution Centres across the UK.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Year 1: 12-month regional placement in one of 14 Lidl GB regions, building operational foundations across Stores, Logistics and Regional Supply Chain.
• Year 2: Move to Head Office in Tolworth and select a specialist route in Store, Warehouse or Supply Chain Management, leading high-profile projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Operations-focused

Leadership development

Communication skills

Data analysis

Project management

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

£40,000 pro rata* | 23 month Fixed Term Contract | 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 lot in common. We are operationally focused, thrive in fast-paced environments and passionate about finding smarter ways of working.
Ready to start your career at the heart of one of the UK's largest retailers? Our Retail Operations Graduate Programme offers ambitious, analytical and operationally minded graduates the opportunity to gain a unique end-to-end understanding of how Lidl operates.

Summary

£40,000 pro rata* | 23 month Fixed Term Contract | 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 lot in common. We are operationally focused, thrive in fast-paced environments and passionate about finding smarter ways of working.
Ready to start your career at the heart of one of the UK's largest retailers? Our Retail Operations Graduate Programme offers ambitious, analytical and operationally minded graduates the opportunity to gain a unique end-to-end understanding of how Lidl operates.

What you'll do

Year 1: You'll begin your journey with a 12 month regional placement. With 14 regions across Lidl GB, we'll place you in a regional location that is both practical and reasonable based on business needs and your circumstances.
Developing a strong operational foundation by working closely with colleagues across Stores, Logistics and Regional Supply Chain. You'll gain first-hand experience of the day-to-day realities of running our business while building your leadership, coaching and decision-making skills. You'll also develop an understanding of Lidl's end-to-end product journey, learning how stock moves efficiently from suppliers through our distribution network and into over 1,000 stores, all while gaining exposure to forecasting, stock management, logistics planning and operational performance.
Year 2: You'll move to our Head Office location in Tolworth.
You'll choose a specialist route in Store, Warehouse or Supply Chain Management. You'll broaden your experience through high-profile projects, analysing performance data and identifying opportunities to optimise transport, inventory management and operational processes. Working closely with stakeholders across your chosen operational focus area, you'll act as a key link between strategic and operational teams, supporting the delivery of business priorities while maintaining a strong understanding of how strategic decisions impact day-to-day operations. Throughout the year, you'll continue to develop your leadership capabilities by influencing positive change, supporting operational teams and helping to create a high-performing, collaborative working environment.
The process will also include a video interview and face-to-face assessment centre held in our Head Office in Tolworth on 28/01/2027.

What you'll need

• Achieved a 2:2 or higher in a Bachelor's Degree
• Are eligible to work in the UK on a full-time basis and able to provide proof when required
• A willingness to travel regularly to stores and Regional Distribution Centres nationwide.
• A full UK driving licence by 1st February 2027
• A genuine interest in retail operations and a passion for identifying opportunities to drive performance and efficiency.
• A proactive, hands-on mindset with a strong desire to understand core operational processes and the rationale behind them.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyse data effectively and a drive to consistently achieve KPI targets.
• A keen eye for detail to effectively monitor and control costs, rotas, and transport schedules.
• An open, clear, and adaptable communication style to engage successfully with colleagues at all levels.
• An authentic, can-do approach with the enthusiasm to get involved at every level and the determination to deliver excellence in everything you do.
• Able to attend the assessment day on 28/01/2027

What you'll receive

• 10% in-store discount
• Pro-rata holiday allowance
• Company car
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced professional development and mentoring
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve
• plus an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance.

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.