Summary

Are you ambitious, driven, and ready to lead? Lidl’s Sales Trainee Programme is your fast-track to becoming a Sales Operations Manager. This is a pivotal leadership role within a global retail powerhouse, who are constantly driving innovation and sustainability.

As a trainee, you’ll work across all positions in store, learning the business from the ground up. Over 18 months, you’ll gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build your commercial know-how. You’ll be mentored by top industry experts and have the chance to explore different areas of the company throughout your journey with us.

Start date: September 2027

What's in it for you?

Phase 1: Sales Trainee
Begin your journey with an 18-month structured training programme, combining hands-on experience and real responsibility from day one - all while earning £43,000.

Phase 2: Unlock Trainee Sales Operations Manager
Upon successful completion of the initial programme, you can unlock a 12-month advanced phase as a Trainee Sales Operations Manager, starting at £50,000.

Phase 3: Sales Operations Manager
Following continued success, you’ll transition into a permanent Sales Operations Manager with a clear salary pathway rising to £84,000 after 5 years.

What you'll do

• Lead and support store teams, helping them deliver excellent customer service
• Recruit, train, and develop talent to build high-performing teams
• Manage store operations, including staffing, productivity, inventory, and cost control
• Ensure stores meet Lidl's standards, delivering an exceptional customer experience
• Monitor stock freshness and rotation and ensure compliance with company procedures

If successful and you progress to Sales Operations Manager, you’ll take on bigger responsibilities:

• Oversee a district of stores, supporting and guiding Store Managers
• Plan staffing structures and set KPIs for your district
• Lead store refurbishments, openings, and re-openings
• Conduct regular district tours with senior leadership
• Foster a motivated and collaborative work environment across your district

What you'll need

• A 2.1 degree in any discipline
• A full, clean driving licence
• Strong communication, planning, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment
• A flexible, organised, and hard-working mindset
• A genuine interest in retail and leadership

What you'll receive

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

• £43,000 starting salary per year as a Sales Trainee (Fixed 18-month Programme)

• Upon successful completion of the initial programme, you can unlock a 12-month advanced phase as a Trainee Sales Operations Manager, starting at £50,000

• Permanent role offered as a Sales Operations Manager following continued success, with a salary pathway rising to £84,000 after 4 years
• Bespoke training modules to develop your operational and leadership skills.
• Company car
• 34 days holiday per annum (pro rata, including Bank Holidays)
• Unlock a flex pot allowance to spend on a selection of benefits after 6 months of service 
• Company pension after 1 year
• Private employee medical insurance (Video Doctor App)
• Generous discounts available; Circle K, Bike to Work Scheme
• Mobile and broadband discounts with Vodafone
• Maternity & Paternity Leave top up, Marriage leave, Employee Assistance Programme