Aldi Recruitment :: Aldi People

Aldi People

We are always looking for the most talented individuals. But what's crucial is that you are also a team player. Someone with excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate those around you.

From day one we'll teach you how to lead from the front. But at every turn you'll find a support network behind you, driving you to succeed. Can you confidently describe yourself as can-do? Then you might become another Aldi success story like the ones below:

Area Manager In Training: Kate McGrath

My name is Kate McGrath and I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan Business School with a Degree in Business Studies.

My Aldi career to date

I heard about the Aldi Area Manager Training Scheme at University. After a group interview and then a successful second interview, I was offered the job. I'm part way through my out-of-store training and learning the Area Manager role including how the company ticks behind the scenes; in accounts, logistics and property training.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

Nothing can prepare you for the intensity of the training programme. It's really tough! But for a successful career within Aldi it's the best grounding you could ask for. Like any job, it has its drawbacks, you can't see your friends as much as you'd like. However, you become so organised that you learn to enjoy your free time more.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

When I was looking for the right career for me post-university, the one thing that really stood out with Aldi is that you're a manager from Day One. Aldi was the only company offering me a chance to develop and prove myself right now, giving me the kind of responsibility my friends won't be offered for years.

My proudest moment?

Surviving my time in-store! It's such a hard part of the training and at times I wasn't sure I had what it takes to complete it. Looking back now I know it was all worth it. If anything it's made me even more determined to prove myself and get through the next part of my training to become an Area Manager.

Area Manager In Training: Adrian Neary

My name is Adrian Neary and I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Degree in Engineering.

My Aldi career to date

I applied to Aldi after researching job opportunities on the Internet. The title of Area Manager, the salary and a fully expensed Audi A4 was an opportunity I felt couldn't be missed. After just 8 weeks training I was handed the keys to a store turning over a vast amount of money each month. This gave me a wealth of experience of how a store works and the various roles within it.

I am now doing my out of store training with experienced Area Managers as well as covering 3-6 stores while the managers are away. I've spent time in our regional distribution centre learning everything from running a warehouse and distributing stock to property management, administration and trading departments. My proudest moment so far? Managing the biggest store in the region and not only hitting targets but seeing my own ideas help develop the store and the people in it.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

There are so many training schemes out there it's hard to choose. Where Aldi distinguishes itself is the fast pace of not only everyday life but also career progression. To become Area Manager in one year and Regional Director in as little as 5 years from graduation is really quite unique.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

Aldi is tough, there is no doubt about it. From the physical work and the long hours to sometimes having more to do than you think possible with strict deadlines. The key is to stay organised. Always be prepared for the next challenge and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Experienced Area Manager: Sam Wright

My name is Sam Wright and I graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a Degree in Law and Business.

My Aldi career to date

I joined Aldi in September 2004. Within 12 months I had taken responsibility for an area of 6 stores. Now I'm about to go to the U.S. on secondment, to continue my role out there for a period. At 25, having the company backing me to go and practice what I've learnt here over in the U.S. is a fantastic opportunity.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

Being away from home is a large possibility. Going through the training process whilst away from familiar surroundings can be tough.

All in all, there are no easy days. Working at Aldi demands a lot of you. The hours can be long and things don't always go as you planned. No matter how much time you put in.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

I could never see myself sat behind a desk 8 hours a day. This job keeps you moving and thinking all the time. At Aldi no two days are the same, one minute you can be focused on property the next on recruitment. But it's you who sets the agenda and you organise your diary as you see fit.

The training programme is not a drawn out affair. You are given the tools you need to do the job and put in a position where you have to use them on a daily basis.

The key thing is the responsibility you're given. There are few companies that would put someone in their early twenties in operational control of several multi-million pound businesses and treat them as their own.

Career Changer: Steph Thorp

My name is Steph Thorp and I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Degree in Fashion.

My Aldi career to date

Before Aldi I was working in fashion buying for nearly four years. I enjoyed it but I felt my career path wasn't going in the right direction and I needed something new and varied. Aldi offered me the chance to kick-start my career, to get really hands-on and make a real difference.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

Store time is physically tough. But the most challenging part is realising how much responsibility there is within the first stages of your career at Aldi. You are responsible for your development and the expectations are high – you need to take up the challenge and be willing to take control of your learning. But it's all these things that make the experience so rewarding.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

If like me you weren't fulfilled in your previous role, Aldi will certainly challenge you and give you the feeling that you are back on track. Not many roles give you the opportunity to develop such a broad skill base and although it's challenging, you're given all the feedback and support you need.

At Aldi you are always kept up to date with your progress and you know exactly where you stand. But you need to be prepared for it. I found the sheer variety of skills that you are learning at any one time quite a surprise, so you need to be on your toes and make sure you're really organised to be able to get the most out of it.

Director: Ruth Everard

My name is Ruth Everard and I graduated from the University of Salford with a Degree in Business Management.

My Aldi career to date

I joined the Area Manager Training Scheme in 2002, spending the first nine months of my training running stores and learning the grass roots of the business. After maternity leave to have my daughter, I completed my out of store training on my return 6-months later.

I was given my own Area in 2004 with five stores around Cheshire and the Peak District. I opened a new store in 2005, making a total of six.

In 2006 I was promoted to Operations Director, responsible for 50 stores and a team of high calibre Area Managers.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

My parents are teachers and I always remember the depressing 'back to work and school' feeling in our house on Sunday night. I knew that I never wanted to feel like that again. And I never do. No matter what kind of a day I have ahead of me I never get that 'Monday feeling' coming to work at Aldi.

I always tell new Area Managers on their first day that this company is like a love affair. You fall in love with it and it gets under your skin. It's more than just a job. And the best thing? You work with people who feel exactly the same. The energy and enthusiasm is infectious. The people you work with, for and those who work for you, are all driven. They have energy and a passion for the company.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

It can be tough, make no bones about it. You are sat at the hard-nosed end of discount retailing, and it's anything but glamorous. You have to have steel to work in stores. You have to be tough and determined and resilient whilst being able to be empathetic and fair and remain enthusiastic throughout. There will be times in the early days when you wonder what you're doing here and whether you have made the right choice. You're a top-level graduate on a till in the first month of your new job. But these are the times that you refer to over and over throughout your career. These are the times where you are on the steepest learning curve. And even in your lowest moments you know that you're doing something that many others could not.

Director: Mehul Patel

My name is Mehul Patel and I graduated from Huddersfield University with a Degree in Business Studies.

My Aldi career to date

I joined Aldi at the age of 27 in August 2000 and spent five years as an Area Manager in Yorkshire, responsible for several stores. I was then promoted to Buying Director, responsible for categories ranging from Chips, Snacks and Nuts to Fireworks, Bags and Shoes. My role means that I'm involved in everything from product sourcing and specification right through to new product development and packaging.

Looking back today, I can't believe how challenging and rewarding my career with Aldi has been. Aldi really does give people real responsibility, really fast.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

You will need considerable drive, stamina and resourcefulness. It is an exciting yet exhausting role, filled with fun and frustration. It is a very steep learning curve. You are required to start your training at store level where you will appreciate the meaning of hard work.

There is no hiding place! Only the highest calibre individuals will make it through. Sure, you are financially rewarded. But this is a role where you earn every penny. If you want an easy ride then don't expect it at Aldi.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

Aldi work as hard as you to make your career a success. You'll face plenty of variety and day-to-day challenges to test your ability. It is an exciting company to work for where job satisfaction is very high. The rewards are exceptional. It is a dynamic and successful business set within a professional and stimulating environment with considerable opportunities for development.

Director: Oliver King

My name is Oliver King and I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Degree in Retail Marketing.

My Aldi career to date

I first joined Aldi in June 1999 spending 14 months university placement at our Middleton head office and stores. When I graduated I was offered a place on the Area Manager Training Scheme. And within 6-weeks, I was managing my own store, aged just 21!

Just 12 months after graduating I was promoted to Area Manager for North Wales, responsible for 5 stores and 40 people. Then, in April 2006, I was promoted to the position of Logistics Director in Neston, Cheshire. This was a huge responsibility: recruiting 100 people and overseeing the building of our brand new regional distribution centre. The opening of which remains one of the most satisfying and rewarding days of my career.

Today I'm Store Operations Director within the Neston region. It's my responsibility to lead, manage and develop my Area Manager team to achieve excellent results for our business.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

Aldi is not the place for everyone. You are under no illusion from the start that only the very best will succeed. And with this comes the pressure. 100% effort for 100% of the time is required. Aldi can't carry poor performers. If you're scared of a real challenge on a daily basis then it's time to look elsewhere.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

I'm convinced that no other organisation could have given me the opportunity to progress my career in the way that Aldi has. From graduate trainee to Store Operations Director within just six years? It just goes to show that at Aldi, anything is possible!