Buying Graduate Programme

Buying Graduate Programme — London (Surbiton)

Your Supportive Bridge to an Exciting Retail Career

Location: Lidl House, 14 Kingston Road, Surbiton, KT5 9NU London

Contract Type: Full Time (23-Month Fixed Term Contract) | Student & Graduate

Reference Number: 750786

Compensation: £40,000 per annum* (*plus an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance)

Key Dates & Requirements: Video interviews and a face-to-face assessment centre will be held at the Head Office in Tolworth on 26/11/2026 & 27/11/2026. Candidates must possess a full UK driving licence by 1st February 2027.

Perks: 30 days holiday (pro rata), 10% in-store discount, pension scheme, company car, and enhanced professional mentoring.

About Us: Your Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

At [Agency Name], we believe that finding your next career milestone should be an empowering and seamless experience. As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we walk beside you every step of the way—smoothing out the application process, championing your unique skills, and connecting you with fantastic career-launching opportunities at industry-leading brands.

We are proud to partner with a top-tier retail leader to find a proactive, commercial-minded graduate for their Buying Graduate Programme in South West London. If you are eager to turn your degree into an impactful commercial career with a dedicated agency supporting your journey, we are here to help you secure it.

The Role

Kickstart your career in retail buying! Lidl's Buying team are experts at providing what customers want: the best quality products at the best possible prices. From idea creation and sampling to negotiations, range planning, and packaging sign-off, you will be involved in every stage of the product lifecycle.

This intensive, structured 2-year development programme is designed to lay the perfect foundation for your future, offering long-term scope to progress into a permanent Assistant Buying Manager role. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can make multi-million-pound decisions from day one.

What You’ll Do:

• Commercial Strategy: Make multi-million-pound decisions and negotiate the best possible commercial terms for the business.

• Category Ownership: Take ownership of Food, Non-Food, or Middle of Lidl (Food Specials) categories—handling everything from range planning and product development to ongoing KPI management.

• Product Lifecycle: Manage products from initial concept through to launching in depots and stores.

• Supplier Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers while analyzing data to drive commercial decisions.

• Innovation: Challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas, and constantly strive to improve the customer offer.

What You’ll Need

• Education: Achieved a 2:2 or higher in a Bachelor's Degree.

• Eligibility: Full-time working eligibility in the UK with proof available when required.

• Location: Able to commute or relocate within a reasonable distance to the Head Office in Tolworth, South West London.

• Skills & Mindset: Strong commercial acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, resilience under pressure, assertiveness, and quick-thinking problem-solving skills. (Note: German language skills are desirable but not essential).

• Travel & Driving: Possession of a full UK driving licence by 1st February 2027.

What’s in It for You

• Competitive Salary: £40,000 per annum* (plus an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance).

• Time Off: 30 days holiday (pro rata).

• Perks & Discounts: 10% in-store discount, contributory pension scheme, and a company car.

• Career Growth: Enhanced professional development, structured mentoring, and direct exposure to senior stakeholders across the business.