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 2026
What’s in it for you?

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

• £41,750 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 £81,500 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).
• 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.

Lidl is an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements, we will ensure any reasonable accommodations are implemented as part of the recruitment and selection process. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and want to ensure that all applicants have the same opportunity regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religious belief, political opinion or membership of the traveller community

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 procedur