Buying Graduate Programme

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 curious, collaborative and ready to make a tangible impact on where we work.

Kickstart your career in retail buying! Our Buying team are experts at providing what our customers want: the best quality products at the best possible prices.  Our buyers are involved in everything to do with the product -from idea creation and sampling, through to negotiations, range planning and packaging sign- off.  Soon you could be doing this too, taking that crucial first step in your professional journey!

The Lidl Buying Graduate Management Programme will take you through an intense and challenging, but incredibly rewarding two years of structured development, laying the perfect foundation for your future. You will experience everything from working in our stores, negotiating products and contracts, developing exciting product ranges and learning the skills necessary to plan and manage a successful category, accelerating your growth right out of the gate. This role offers the long-term scope to become a permanent Assistant Buying Manager with opportunities for further long-term progression.

Our Graduates thrive in our fast moving, challenging environment where everyone has a voice, and we want to hear yours from day one! In this role, you need to have a passion for retail and the desire to become an expert in your field. We look for individuals who are self-motivated and intuitive, with a constant desire to exceed expectations as they build their career from the ground up.

The process will also include a video interview and face-to-face assessment centre held in our Head Office in Tolworth on 26/11/2026 & 27/11/2026. We look forward to receiving your application.

What you'll do

• Make multi-million-pound decisions and negotiate the best possible commercial terms for the business - our success is down to you

• Own your categories - you could be working on one of our Food or Non-Food categories, or even planning ranges for the Middle of Lidl in our Food Specials team. You're therefore responsible for not only the range planning and product development (chief taste-tester!), but also the ongoing management of category KPIs

• Manage products from initial concept through to launching in our depots and stores 

• Demonstrate an ability to challenge the status quo and bring your own ideas

• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and analyse data to support commercial decisions 

• Constantly strive to improve our customer offer. Getting better never stops!

• Work as part of a team, but be equally happy working independently on your categories

• Spin lots of plates at any one time -striving under pressure & multi-tasking is your thing!

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

• Able to commute/relocate within a reasonable commute to our Head Office in Tolworth, South West London

• German language skills are desirable but not essential (German can be useful in some departments more than others)

• Be passionate about the retail industry and a love for all things discount retailer 

• Strong commercial acumen and an initiative-taker with entrepreneurial spirit

• Work well under pressure to tight and often conflicting deadlines 

• Pragmatic, logical, resilient and quick thinking are all the words people would use to describe you!

• Be assertive and confident 

• Possession of a full UK driving licence by 1 st February 2027

What you'll receive

• 30 days holiday (pro rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced professional development and mentoring
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams across the business
• 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.

If you're ready to get stuck in, begin your professional journey and make a real difference, find your place at Lidl and apply now.