Buying Operations Graduate Programme

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a lot in common. We are operationally focused, thrive in fast-paced environments and passionate about finding smarter ways of working.

Our Buying Operations team is looking for ambitious, strategic, and data-driven graduates to join our 23 month Graduate Scheme. Buying Operations is the powerhouse behind our business, working at the centre of key commercial activities to keep our stores running efficiently and our customers happy.

Working closely with Buying teams, suppliers, and international stakeholders, you'll help drive operational excellence, improve processes, and ensure our customers receive the products they love, when and where they need them.

In this role you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity of product, supplier, pricing, and promotional data across multiple internal business systems.

Working closely with a variety of stakeholders, the role manages critical administrative processes, resolves data and pricing discrepancies, supports business-critical deadlines, and acts as a key point of contact for operational queries within the department.

In addition to overseeing data quality and compliance, the individual will facilitate processes such as product group comparisons, evaluate how we are doing against competitors and drive continuous improvement initiatives and provide expert guidance on systems and processes.

As a subject matter expert, they will support the team's performance, build strong cross-functional relationships, coordinate workloads to ensure efficient and effective delivery of Buying Operations activities across the business.

The process will also include a video interview and face-to-face assessment centre held in our Head Office in Tolworth on 01/12/2026. We look forward to receiving your application.

What you'll do

• Rotate across 3 key operational areas; Master Data Processing, Projects, and Contract Processing to gain a comprehensive understanding of core Buying Operations functions.
• Maintain master data integrity across multiple internal business systems, ensuring high accuracy for product, pricing, promotional, POS, and supply chain records.
• Manage data queries, support tickets, internal audits, and cross-functional communications to ensure smooth business operations.
• Oversee the end-to-end contract lifecycle, managing contract creation, data validation, and system updates.
• Resolve pricing, promotional, and product data discrepancies in a timely manner while adhering to strict business deadlines.
• Facilitate product group comparisons and competitor evaluations to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive impactful continuous improvement projects and champion process optimisations across the department.
• Identify and resolve operational discrepancies independently using internal reporting and data quality tools.
• Act as a key operational contact and subject matter expert, supporting team workload coordination and stakeholder queries.

What you'll need

• Minimum 2:2 degree (in any discipline)
• A genuine interest in retail operations and identifying opportunities to improve performance and efficiency.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Keen attention to detail with strong reporting capabilities.
• Solid commercial awareness and an interest in analysing data, KPI performance, and operational processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organisation and a keen eye for detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Keen attention to detail with strong reporting capabilities.

What you'll receive

• 10% in-store discount
• Pro-rata holiday allowance
• Enhanced professional development and mentoring
• A unique opportunity to influence national operational initiatives and business-critical projects
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams across the business
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve
• *plus an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance.

You’re Lidl like us. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you’re ready to get stuck in, want to get more out of your career and make a real difference, find your place at Lidl and apply now.

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11