Graduate Programme - Purchasing Operations

Lidl Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary €45,500 p.a. pro rata

20 days holidays p.a. pro rata

Private medical insurance

Flexible start/finish times

ILM/City & Guilds programme

On-site gym and canteen

Up to 2 days remote work per week

Job summary

Lidl Ireland invites graduates to join its 18‑month Graduate Management Development Programme in Purchasing Operations. You will work across contracting, master data, price analysis and project work while learning the heart of Lidl’s procurement processes.

You will gain real on‑the‑job experience in stores and distribution centers, with bespoke training and mentorship across Europe. A strong growth pathway and structured development await the successful candidate.

Qualifications

• Degree required: 2.1 Honours Level 8.
• Full driver’s license required.
• Willingness to travel within Ireland.
• Motivation and drive.
• Strong personal skills and teamwork.
• Work experience or international experience considered.
• German language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Purchasing Operations in ensuring product availability across stores and systems.
• Collaborate with buyers, suppliers and other departments to maintain accurate item data.
• Participate in process improvements and project work within Purchasing Operations.

Skills

Driving license

Travel flexibility

Motivation & drive

Interpersonal skills

Experience abroad

German (advantage)

Education

2.1 Honours Level 8 degree

Job description

Summary

From our Head Office to the shop floor and everywhere in between our primary goal is to create and deliver a fantastic customer journey for everyone who shops at Lidl.

With over 7,000 colleagues across our stores, warehouses and offices in Ireland and Northern Ireland we are a big and ambitious team. We know our people are our greatest asset and our success is down to the commitment and dedication of our team.

Training and Development

At Lidl, your career isn’t just a job- it’s an investment. We’re big on growth, and we give you all the support, structure, and hands‑on experience you need to level up both personally and professionally.

As the only City & Guilds/ILM Accredited Graduate Programme in Ireland, our 18-month Graduate Management Development Programme is built entirely around you.

What makes it different?

• Tailored To You: Enjoy a bespoke training plan mapped to your unique skills and long‑term career goals.

• Real‑World Experience: Get stuck into our stores and distribution centers to learn the heart of our business from the ground up.

• Blended Learning: Experience dynamic, structured on‑the‑job training combined with industry‑leading modules.

We don't just hire graduates- we build future leaders. Ready to launch yours?

Purchasing Operations

The Purchasing Operations department is part of the wider Commercial team and plays an important role in ensuring that products are available in stores and maintained in all systems of the business. Purchasing Operations works closely with buyers and suppliers across Ireland to ensure that the product information is maintained as agreed. Whilst working in the Purchasing Operations department, you will work in a fast‑paced environment while ensuring high quality standards. You will be working collaboratively with different departments to ensure that contracts are completed on time, and that the item data is maintained in our various systems correctly. Our customers will only be able to find their favourite products in stores if all tasks are completed in a timely manner.

In addition to the everyday tasks, the Purchasing Operations department continuously improves systems and processes at all levels of the business to ensure that they are matching the international standards. Change management and innovation are key for working on projects that affect staff, suppliers, and our customers. You will not only work with colleagues within Lidl Ireland but also find yourself collaborating with Lidl colleagues all around Europe. You will have the opportunity to work in various teams and learn how to manage your own time and resources effectively. During the programme you will work in all departments within Purchasing Operations; Contract Management, Master Data, Orga Projects and Price Analysis. This will allow you to learn different aspects of our operations.

What you'll need

• An expected or attained 2.1 Honours Level 8 degree
• Full driver’s license is required
• Flexibility to travel within Ireland is required
• Motivation and drive
• Strong personal skills
• Work experience or experience abroad
• German is an advantage but not a necessity

What you'll receive

We offer a competitive and transparent salary system, that ensures pay equality across all positions at Lidl

• €45,500 per annum pro rata
• 20 days holidays per annum pro rata
• Private employee medical insurance
• Flexible start and finish times
• City & Guilds/ILM assured programme
• Initial training and on‑going development from an experienced team member
• Responsibility for and involvement in projects with real business impact
• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Bespoke training plan depending on current skills and career path
• One‑to‑one coaching available from a qualified coach in the business
• A vast array of training and development opportunities from our in‑house training catalogue including Leadership Development Programmes
• Masterclasses with renowned business experts
• Director and graduate mentorship programme
• Modern office facility with free parking
• On‑site gym and canteen
• Up to 2 days remote working per week
• Mobile and broadband discounts with Three network
• Unlock a flex pot allowance to spend on a selection of benefits after 6 months of service

Lidl is an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements, we will ensure any reasonable accommodations are implemented as part of the recruitment and selection process. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and want to ensure that all applicants have the same opportunity regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religious belief, political opinion or membership of the traveller community.