Retail Management

Everyone is so supportive at Aldi. I learn from everyone.
Aldi trust you to make a real impact on the business.
Aldi taught me so much. Like how resilient I am.

Our Retail Management Placement

A year in industry is a great way to see how a company works. But our Retail Management Placement Programme provides so much more. Over the year, you’ll experience real responsibility. In fact, fast rotations across store and office environments will give you a breath-taking snapshot of our business and the skills you need to succeed. What will you do when you’re handed the keys and told: “You’re in charge”? Well, it’s time to find out.

Please note that our Placement Programmes are for university students currently studying towards an undergraduate degree, who are seeking a 12-month sandwich placement before their final year of study.

The application window for our Retail Management Placements starting July 2025 is now OPEN.

A year like no other

Day One

You’ll settle into Aldi, sign your contract and meet the Store Operations Director who will take you through your induction.. They’ll outline exactly what’s expected from you and prepare you for the year ahead.

1 (of 18)

Weeks 1-2

The Area Manager will walk you through our fast-moving operation and why we’re doing so well in the marketplace.

2 (of 18)

Week 3-6

Time to roll up your sleeves and see exactly what happens in our stores, from stacking shelves to serving customers.

3 (of 18)

Week 7-12

You’ll shadow the Store Manager and experience their challenging, rewarding and stimulating role. It’s about learning to lead a successful team and creating an environment where people feel really motivated.

4 (of 18)

Week 13

A chance for a breather on a well-earned, one-week holiday. Enjoy…

5 (of 18)

Week 14

Working alongside the Area Manager, you’ll demonstrate your new-found skills. You’ll see stores from a fresh perspective and what goes into multi-site management.

6 (of 18)

Weeks 15-18

You’ll take the role of an operational Assistant Store Manager. This is your time to really develop your management skills.

7 (of 18)

Week 19

Feet up and relax. You deserve it.

8 (of 18)

Weeks 20-23

More Store Management. It’s great to be on the front line, seeing how things need to be run in such a fast-paced team environment.

9 (of 18)

Weeks 24-30

You’ll be graded on task completion and leadership over the next 7 weeks. This is your chance to show us how far you have come already!

10 (of 18)

Week 31

Holiday time already? Time flies at Aldi, particularly when you’re learning so much.

11 (of 18)

Weeks 32-34

Back to working with the Area Manager to gain insight and experience from the very best.

12 (of 18)

Week 35

Head Office and Warehouse Operations is an invaluable part of your training. You’ll learn everything from streamlining distribution to vehicle tracking and routing. And who better than the Financial Administration team to give you specialist training on balancing the books?

13 (of 18)

Weeks 36-40

Now’s the time to put all your knowledge together. You’ll be given a project brief that will outline proposed areas for improvement across Trading and Warehouse Operations. You can see your work have a long-lasting impact on regional (or even national) decisions.

14 (of 18)

Week 41

You’ll be out and about with an Area Manager, experiencing their day and all the different skills you need to do a great job.

15 (of 18)

Week 42

Kick back on another holiday as you reflect on how much you’ve learned and experienced so far.

16 (of 18)

Weeks 43-48

Your final project work will focus on Store Operations. You’ll show us how you can apply your knowledge in different business situations, and present your ideas to the Directors.

17 (of 18)

Weeks 49-52

Your last weeks with the Area Manager will help you fit all the pieces together. You’ll see how everything works as a complete (and extremely busy) business.

18 (of 18)

What you'll need

The Retail Management Placement Programme is a real job with actual responsibilities. But it's also a chance to give back- to yourself, your team and your community. That's why we look for people who can find smarter ways of working.

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)
to be working towards a 2:1 degree in any discipline
a driving licence (and access to a car)
the right to work in the UK

Some of what we'll offer you

A competitive salary

We know just how challenging a programme like this is. Which is why we’ll reward you generously for it. On top of some amazing benefits, you’ll receive a £26,390 salary for the 12 months you spend with us.
Holiday allowance

There’s no denying that you’ll work really hard here at Aldi. Which is why it’s important that you have time to relax. So with four weeks’ holiday allowance, plus bank holidays, you’ll be able to put your feet up and come back raring to go.
Future opportunities

If you’ve worked hard and successfully completed the Retail Management Placement, you could be offered the opportunity to return after graduation on our Graduate Area Manager Programme. Your Direct Leader will need to recommend you first though.
Wellbeing

Our wellbeing programme links to five key areas of wellbeing; physical, mental, nutritional, financial and social. Colleagues have access to an online wellness portal containing information and guidance, 24/7 Employee Assistant Programme and wellbeing related benefits.
Training & support

With a dedicated mentor from day one, you’ll get the support you need. And even once the programme ends, you’ll get great development opportunities throughout your Aldi career.
Health and lifestyle

You can also join our discounted Health Cash Plan and take advantage of gym membership discounts, discounted cinema tickets, money off holidays and more!

Our application Process

1

Online Application

You’ll need to complete an online application and tests that will assess your judgement and personal qualities, to see if we’re right for each other. This has been designed to measure your core skills and analytical abilities.
2

Video Interview

Lights, camera, action. It’s all about you. This is a chance to impress us in a short video called ‘Who am I?’. Show us you’re a determined, charismatic leader who we couldn’t do without.
3

Group Assessment

If all goes well, you’ll be invited to a Group Assessment where you'll need to work as a team, but still let us know that you’ve done your homework about Aldi. We’re looking for your drive, professionalism and natural leadership skills. It’s a fair and consistent process, but make your presence known!
4

Final Interview

Well, you’re nearly there. If you’ve passed everything else, you’ll then have a final interview with the Regional Managing Director. So make sure you’re prepared!

Our application hints and tips

So this it. Your chance to show us that you’re perfect for Aldi. Lots of students apply for our Placement Programmes, so it can be competitive. But don’t let that phase you - just be yourself and show us what you can do. Watch our video for some top tips and insight.

FAQs

Applications are now open however spaces fill quickly, so we recommend that you apply as soon as you can.

Possibly, but only usually within your chosen region. We’re a fast-growing business so it’s important to have a flexible, understanding approach.

For the Retail Management Placement you'll need to provide the very best support to your Store team. So that can involve working weekends and bank holidays; we do ask for you to be flexible and we'll accommodate your needs in return.

It starts in the July after you’ve completed your second year of university.

The Group Assessment will be held virtually. The Final Managing Director Interview will be held at the Regional Distribution Centre within the region to which you have applied. If your application is successful, we'll let you know all the details nearer the time.

A full driving licence and access to a car are essential on our Retail Management Programme as your role will cover various aspects of in-store and head office training, as well as project work.

If, after graduating, you’re considering Aldi as a career choice – and you performed well on the placement – chances are you’ll be invited to apply for a permanent position. Your Direct Leader will need to recommend you first though.

Apply now

Ready to get stuck in? Of course you are.