Retail Management Graduate / Emerging Talent Graduate Review

Lidl as a company has been very welcoming, they have consistently instilled they are investing in graduates for their future continued success. The scheme is rotational over 2 years, year 1 you spend time in store, logistics, supply chain and HR before specialising in one area for year 2. So far, I have almost completed my store rotation where you are trained from customer assistance to manager in about 4 months. It is very full on, but never dull. It’s a great opportunity to learn the heart of the business. You will work all sorts of shifts, and weekends, but that’s what you sign up to with retail. I’ve really enjoyed my store time, I’ve received consistent training and feedback throughout, and had opportunities to come out of store and complete projects for senior management, allowing me to visit Lidl sites all around Scotland. At every point thus far I have been thanked, and felt valued for my contribution. You’re treated like a part of the Lidl team from day one, and the team mentality stretches across the entire business. It’s not like my old place of work for a competitive retailer, where there’s tension between departments and it feels like they work against each other. At Lidl, it feels like everyone is working towards a common goal, and we’re all responsible for our contribution.

So far my main responsibilities so far have been training up to management level in store, so that’s everything from working deliveries, to controlling inventory, ensuring quality and freshness, and pushing productivity.
I have also participated in a volunteer day with a local food bank to witness the journey of Lidl donations in order to see their real world impact, and generate and feedback to senior management any ideas stores can further support this initiative.
I have also conducted audits across the country in preparation for an international visit, and most recently completed a productivity project where I assessed the efficiency of some stores, identified areas of improvement, made recommendations to achieve this, and fed back to senior management.
In short, your main responsibility is to be a sponge - absorb all you can from every opportunity, every person you work with, and every new challenge that crops up. Take everything on with enthusiasm, and don’t be afraid to ask questions - there’s always someone excited to help you.

As mentioned above, I’ve had opportunities to contribute to various projects, and also as a member of a store team. I have been thanked, recognised and valued at every turn thus far.

The pay is excellent for a graduate scheme - it is definitely hard work, and not for the faint of heart, but that is why the pay is higher than most. The benefit of the car is also excellent - fully expensed for business and personal use. This is a huge bonus for me as I don’t have to worry about insurance, MOTs, services, budgeting for fuel etc - it’s a lovely benefit to have some life admin taken off your shoulders.
Lidl also offer a huge range of other benefits like discounted gym memberships, 24/7 access to online GPs, enhanced dental care, countless discounts to retailers and food places etc. There’s really far too much to include it all - I’ve not even explored the half of it!

Because the scheme is 23 months fixed, there is technically no guarantee you secure a role at the end - but this is more to do with the fact you don’t secure a specific role. Based on what you’re good at, what you like, and where the opportunities are in the business, that will shape where you end up at the end of the scheme. I’m still early into the scheme, but I’ve been assured constantly that Lidl want to keep you, they’re investing in you, it’s just a matter of where you end up! Many people I’ve came across in this business have also had some very interesting career paths, worked for multiple departments and even gone abroad with Lidl - so the opportunities really are endless. The advice I’ve been given is to remain open to opportunities, and run with them.

My talent manager keeps in touch every few weeks, and always wants to make sure I’m developing professionally but also personally. He really cares about my wellbeing and always offers his help and support.
The regional recruitment team was also excellent throughout the application and hiring process.
My area manager is extremely experienced and enthusiastic, and actively involves me in a variety of opportunities he believes I’d find useful or interesting and tried to give me exposure to as much of the business as possible - which is not only interesting, but also great for learning all the different aspects of the business.
In store, I’ve been fortunate to work with a great team that’s passionate about delivering high standards, and the store manager has consistently taken her time to ensure I’m trained well, but also lets me take responsibility and accountability for different areas of the store. I personally think just getting stuck in is the best way to learn, and for when there’s questions or wobbles, I’ve had a great support network to rely on.

40 hours a week contract works well for me, there’s been times I’ve worked over 40 to help out etc but my store manager has then ensured I get that time back the following week. There’s a great deal of care to protect against burn-out.

I’d say the general culture is very positive, it’s work hard but smart. It’s exciting to work for an international retail giant that’s going from strength to strength, so there’s a real feeling of progress and contribution to real growth. The senior leadership team are consistently pushing this narrative, are super enthusiastic, and are out and about all the time, seeing it for themselves. The regional managing director is extremely approachable, and passionate, and also feels like another member of the Lidl team - where we all share the same goal.
There’s a big culture of recognition and thanks, which is something I’ve not experienced before and greatly appreciate now. I have personally nominated several of the colleagues I’ve worked with so far for recognition awards, which is as rewarding as receiving the recognition yourself.
I can’t speak to remote or hybrid working yet, as all of my tasks thus far have been on-site, but the company car makes this no trouble.

There’s a vast range of diversity in almost every team I’ve worked with thus far, and not just in personal backgrounds but also in skill sets and professional competencies which helps build a strong, diversely capable team.
The only negative would be a lack of female or POC senior leaders including a lack of female or POC area managers and heads of sales, however I must note that this was addressed on my assessment day and it was noted that this is a result of a lot of promotion over the last few years. This is also specific to my region, so cannot speak to the diversity of the rest of the business.

Yes

You’re valued at every step and it is never boring.

The recruitment team were super clear and always insisted its hard work, but for the right people it’s worth it, which I agree with. The role is well described during the application process and the recruitment team are always more than happy to answer any questions.