Aldi 2025 graduate opportunities

Company Company profile

With roots dating back to 1913, Aldi came to the UK in 1990 and are now one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarkets and most successful retailers. Voted the fifth best graduate employer in the UK by The Times Top 100, the Aldi Graduate Programme offers so much more than a challenge – you can make a real difference.

Training and Development

All graduates enter the business on the Area Manager Training Programme. It’s gained a reputation for offering an enormous amount of responsibility. So graduates get more than just a great salary and a full expensed car. Over 12 months, graduates get everything they need to take control of a multi-million pound area of up to four stores – allowing decisions to be made that can really make a difference.

Case studies

Name: Callum Day
Role: Graduate Area Manager
University: Durham University

'' You’re not just looking after the business – you’re looking after your team. ''

Description:

You’re taught to look after people’s wellbeing from day one. You have a lot of responsibility when you’re an Area Manager. I’m trusted to run several Aldi stores, manage performance and have senior meetings with the Operations Director. But one of my biggest responsibilities is looking after the people that work in the stores. That’s one of the first things you learn at Aldi – to focus on everyone’s wellbeing. So I make sure that people are supported, have what they need and are reaching their goals. I’m an ambitious person, so I love helping everyone to thrive. It’s so motivating to know that you’re not just looking after the business – you’re looking after your team.

Training & profiles

Graduates also receive incredible support throughout their training, with a dedicated mentor and regular one-to-one sessions with talented colleagues. It’s the perfect introduction to Aldi and a superb foundation for future success.

It gives graduates a wider lens to make critical business decisions later on in their journey. After a few years in the role, graduates may get the chance to take on a project role within one of Aldi’s regions, national departments, logistics, or even an international secondment in countries such as the US or Australia. Further into the future, high-performing area managers could even move into a director role – for example, within buying, finance or operations.

Application procedure

What we're looking for

Area Managers will need to have a 2:1 at undergraduate level, 96 UCAS points (240 points if using the old tariff) and a full UK driving licence.

Salary

£44,000 starting salary rising to £77,870 after four years (Graduate Area Manager Programme)

The application process

Online applications include a psychometric test and you'll create a short video to convince Aldi you're a strong and charismatic leader. Group assessment follows, which involves team-building and a chance to demonstrate your Aldi business knowledge. You'll then have a final face-to face interview with the regional managing director. Aldi recruit all year round but it's best to apply as soon as you can.

FAQs

Q: Where are the Area Manager roles based?

A: The UK is split into eleven regions: Atherstone, Bolton, Darlington, Swindon, Chelmsford, Bathgate, Neston, Goldthorpe, Cardiff, Isle of Sheppey, Sawley.