Aldi

About Aldi

Aldi arrived in the UK in 1990, and today we’re the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, with more than 1,050 stores and over 45,000 colleagues. We’ve grown fast - but what keeps us moving is our people. We’re an award-winning employer, and we know achievements are made possible day after day by the amazing work of our colleagues. We believe our people - and the diversity they bring - make our business stronger. That’s why, in 2021, we launched our diversity and inclusion strategy, Embrace, creating positive change from the inside out. So, let us introduce ourselves properly. We’re a genuinely rewarding employer, offering competitive pay, great benefits, and fantastic training. That success is built on delivering quality products at low prices - but it also comes from investing in the people who make it all happen.

Area Manager Programme (for third-year students or recent graduates)

Third-year students and recent graduates can apply for Aldi’s Area Manager Programme. You may have heard a lot about our Area Manager Graduate Programme - and if you haven’t, you’re in the right place. We want you to bring the best version of yourself. In return, we’ll offer a fantastic package (and yes - the rumours are true: it includes a fully expensed car). It takes dedication and determination, but the rewards are well worth it - whether that’s your professional development, your growth as an individual, or seeing your store teams thrive (and yes, it’s your job to help inspire them).

Throughout the year, you’ll learn the ins and outs of store life before discovering what it takes to lead a group of multi-million-pound businesses. And afterwards? It could be the start of an exciting career full of opportunity. In the programme, you’ll learn how stores operate and build a real understanding of what makes them successful. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues and mentors to develop the skills you need to lead - and you’ll take responsibility for your teams to deliver an outstanding customer experience. You’ll also spend time with other departments to gain a 360-degree view of the business.

To be considered, you’ll need 96 UCAS points (or 63 Scottish Highers, or an equivalent on the old tariff) from your top 3 A-levels/Scottish Highers (or the equivalent from other relevant qualifications). You’ll also need a 2:1 degree in any discipline, a driving licence, and the right to work in the UK. Your starting salary is £52,010, increasing in increments up to £98,050 by Year 8.

12-month long placements (for penultimate year students)

For penultimate year university students, we offer 12-month placements across the UK. This year-long placement is designed to give you intensive training, so you can see how we do things from every angle - and learn how you work too. You’ll tackle brand-new situations and discover just how much more you have to offer. Whether you join a Retail Management placement or explore other areas such as Buying, Supply Chain Management, Projects, HR, or IT, you’ll be at the heart of the action - experiencing real responsibility and getting a rare look at how our business works internally.

If you join a retail route, you’ll enjoy fast rotations across store and office environments to experience Aldi from every angle. You’ll take on real responsibility, supported by experienced colleagues, learn the day-to-day realities of running a store, and develop the skills you need to lead teams. You’ll also step into brand-new situations that help you build confidence, capability, and clear career direction. If you join us beyond Retail Management (including Buying, Supply Chain Management, Projects, HR, or IT), you’ll still be at the heart of the action - gaining real responsibility and rare exposure to how our business operates behind the scenes.

To be considered, you’ll need 96 UCAS points or 63 Scottish Highers (or the equivalent on the old tariff) from your top 3 A-levels/Scottish Highers (or the equivalent from other relevant qualifications). You should also be working towards a 2:1 degree in any discipline. Plus, you’ll need a driving licence (and access to a car) and the right to work in the UK. You’ll receive a salary of £30,000 for the 12 months you spend with us. Please note: our Placement Programmes are for university students currently studying towards an undergraduate degree who are looking for a 12-month sandwich placement before their final year.