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Our Graduate Area Manager Programme

You’ve probably heard a lot about the Area Manager Programme by now – that we give our graduates a fantastic package (including a fully expensed company car) and that it’s ‘really hard work’. These are true. But there’s so much more. We’re also a responsible employer who thrives on giving graduates unparalleled exposure, training and support. Throughout the year, you’ll learn the ins and outs of store life, before discovering what it takes to lead your own area. Afterwards? Well, it could be just the start of an exciting career full of amazing opportunities. In fact, if you put the effort in, you can absolutely work your way to the senior levels of Aldi.

Bring your ambition

Where you will fit in

Year two and beyond

You’re now a fully-fledged Area Manager, with complete control of your area. All kinds of challenges and demands will come your way.

But with world-class training under your belt, and as part of a network of Area Managers, you’ll know what to do or have someone to offer advice. Most of your time will be spent visiting your stores and getting weekly updates from your Store Managers.

Because we're growing so fast it's likely that you'll spend one day a week on recruitment and development - so you'll receive plenty of training on how to put together the perfect team. 

After a number of years in the role, you could be offered a secondment in the UK, US or even Australia. All will give you an even greater appreciation of store life, and an excellent foundation for your future Aldi career.

View our brochure

Discover more about how and why Aldi means more. Our brochure includes lots of profiles from Graduates and Directors, so you can hear about real experiences and see where you fit in.

View now

International Secondment

After a few years, for those who really impress us, there’s the chance to do a secondment in Europe, the US or even Australia. It means you’ll soak up different Aldi cultures, bring fresh ideas back to Ireland, and take your personal and professional development up a gear. You see, although you’ll be familiar with our business, you’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone, and given a new platform to show everyone how capable you are. But don’t worry – wherever you are in the world, you can expect the same Aldi support.

And while it’s the same job on paper, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself learning from scratch. That’s down to the subtle and not so subtle variances in cultures and operating markets. One way or another, it will require a real sense of adventure, resilience and open-mindedness. Why not take a look at David’s story?

When we expanded across all five states, I was right there at the coalface.  What an opportunity
David – Buying Director (Ireland)
  • University of Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Engineering Degree
  • Joined Aldi in 2006

"When we expanded across all five states, including New York City and Downtown Boston, I was right there at the coalface. I was seconded to ‘South Windsor’, one of the US divisional offices that looks after stores across five states. Aldi were extremely supportive as I planned my departure, helping to arrange visas and travel. They also offered plenty of insight into my new area. On arrival, there was even more support: a thorough orientation, help with accommodation, bank accounts and phones, plus mentoring from a local colleague. Aldi was in its infancy in the greater New England area but experiencing huge growth. I went from working in Dundalk Co. Louth to interviewing staff for Queens, New York. Amazing."

Read more

We want you if you have...

We wouldn’t be this successful without recruiting strong-minded, brave people to share our ambitions. We do have quite a specific culture. It’s well-managed, efficient and everyone works in harmony with a combined sense of purpose. Responsibilities are crystal clear and everyone knows what’s expected of them. The question is, do you have the kind of qualities we need? Take a look at our video to learn more about our environment.

What we'll offer you

Our Application Process

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Online Application

You’ll need to upload your CV, complete an online application and various tests that will assess your judgement and analytical skills.

Online Test

You’ll be sent a link to complete an online psychometric test. This has been designed to measure your core skills and personal qualities, to see if we’re right for each other.

 

 

Video Application

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

Group Assessment

Group Assessment is hard. You’ve got to work as a team, but still let us know that you’ve done your homework about Aldi and that you’re a natural leader. It’s a fair and consistent process, but make your presence known!

Interview

Well, you’re nearly there. If you’ve passed everything else, you’ll progress to an interview with your Regional Managing Director. Successful candidates will then progress to final interview with members of the Regional Director Team.

Plenty to Polish

We work incredibly hard to do a great job for our people and our customers. Over the years, we’ve won all kinds of accolades and added many awards to our trophy cabinet.

FAQs

Applications for our 2024 Aldi Graduate Area Manager Programme are now closed. Applications for the 2025 programme will open at the start of the next academic semester. 

If you're a graduate and you've got a 2:1, your degree could be in any discipline. If you're in your final year at University/ College you'll need to be on track for a 2:1 in any discipline.

If you've already applied but not been successful, you’ll need to wait 12 months before reapplying. But you’re welcome to apply for other roles any time.

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

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.

We recruit approximately 100 Area Managers every year, across the UK and Ireland. But this could change as our business continues to expand.

A full driving licence by the time you commence employment and eligibility to work in Ireland.

Yes, CV’s are a mandatory part of the application process. Please ensure to include your qualification history and results within your CV.

Yes is the short answer. As long as you've met the criteria of course.

All candidates whether successful or not will be notified. We are understandably receiving a high volume of applications at the moment so it is taking longer than usual to process, but assure you we are working very hard to process as many applications as we can.

All of our Area Manager group assessments will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. If your application is successful, we will let you know the details closer to the time.

Please ensure to read all email correspondence you receive which will detail the preparation required prior to the group assessment. Please ensure you attend the virtual group assessment using a laptop or desktop computer. Mobile phone devices are not suitable for the purposes of the group assessment. Please ensure you have a pen and rough work paper available to take notes during the centre.