Becoming part of a team
Lidl’s awardwinning recruitment programmes provide endless opportunities for those coming home
In 2016, Lidl announced that they would create 600 jobs over the next two years as they continued to grow their market share and attract new customers. Along with this focus, Lidl continue to create additional employment as new stores open nationwide.
Fiona Fahey, Store Manager at Lidl in Cobh, joined Lidl in 2012 as part of the Retail Management Degree Programme with Dublin Business School. She was given the opportunity to work in multiple stores to build up her experience.
“I started on the Level 7 programme right after I did my Leaving Certificate. During my time on the course, I worked in six of our stores across Cork City and had an amazing opportunity to complete a secondment in our Regional Supply Chain Department in Charleville. This year, I was delighted to get promoted from Deputy to Store Manager and took over my local store in Cobh. It is very special to be able to serve the local community where I grew up.”
Lidl offer a range of programmes to suit everyone from school leavers to graduates and those coming home after living abroad. These programmes are designed to develop and equip employees with the skills and competencies they require to excel in their careers.
“The programmes at Lidl include the Retail Management Degree Programme which I participated in, and internal Store Manager development initiatives,” continues Fahey. There is also the ‘Being the Difference’ management programme, which trains and develops business competencies in participants, in order for them to become stronger managers.”
Lidl also run an 18-month Graduate Management Development Programme. This gives graduates an opportunity to work within one of the business functions, such as retail operations, accounting, marketing or communications.
Due to the variety of roles and opportunities within the business, Lidl hire throughout the year. The new year will see a new campaign to recruit at store management and area management level across the country.
“At Lidl, there are so many opportunities to join the store teams. We have a huge network of support teams dotted throughout the country in the regional distribution centres in Charleville, Mullingar and Newbridge. So, at any point in time, Lidl could be hiring for anything from a Customer Assistant to a Store Manager, to an IT Specialist.
“There are so many locations to choose from, so anyone used to travelling doesn’t only have to work in their home store. They can choose where they want to work.”
Lidl offers competitive salary and benefits packages for all roles and they have a comprehensive training programme for all new starters. There is also a huge focus on continuous learning and development, as well as teamwork, to ensure everyone achieves their full potential.
“Professionally, I have gained many benefits from working with different teams within Lidl. And personally, I have gained so much confidence in myself, which has allowed me to achieve many of my own goals. For example, I completed a half-marathon with my colleagues for our charity partner Barretstown. That was a big moment for us.”
Another personal goal that Fahey hopes to achieve, is completing her Level 8 Honours degree in Business Management at Cork Institute of Technology. The support she receives from her team to help make the time for her to pursue this goal, has been invaluable.
“That’s just what we do at Lidl. We support each other to achieve more and to be the best that we can be.
“That support and sense of a team begins from the moment you accept the job offer. There are bespoke training plans, a comprehensive induction and a mentor to support you on your journey through Lidl. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
For all the information regarding current open roles and the exact requirements for each, visit jobs.lidl.ie