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:

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.

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 fi?st 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!