Skip to main content

Important: Aldi never charges fees or asks for personal data, like bank details, at any stage of our recruitment or onboarding process. If someone claims to represent us in exchange for money or bank details, it’s a scam. Please think about reporting it here. Stay safe!

  • Aldi Area Manager and store colleague check produce aisle.

    It's not just about being efficient. It's about being effective too.

  • Aldi Area Manager poses for photo.

    It's not possible to achieve goals without my team - and it's my job to inspire them.

  • Aldi Area Managers check store stock.

    Drive, ambition and a positive attitude - it's a recipe for success.

Our graduate area manager programme

You’ve probably heard a lot about the Aldi Area Manager Graduate Programme by now - and if you’ve not then you’ve come to the right place. We want our graduates to bring the best version of themselves and in return we’ll reward them with a fantastic package - and the rumours are true, it includes a fully expensed electric car!

It requires dedication and determination but the results are so rewarding - whether that’s through your professional development, your growth as an individual or seeing your store teams thrive (and it’ll be your responsibility to inspire them!).

Throughout the year, you’ll learn the ins and outs of store life, before discovering what it takes to lead a group of £multi-million businesses. 

A year like no other

Aldi Director and Area Manager hold a meeting.

Day One

You’ll meet your Directors and your new boss. They’ll outline exactly what’s expected from you and prepare you for the year ahead.

1 (of 15)
Aldi colleague shows new Area Manager an Aldi store.

Weeks 1-2

An experienced colleague will help you get to grips with the Area Manager role and they’ll become your mentor throughout your training.

2 (of 15)
Aldi colleague serves employee at the till.

Week 3-13

Time to roll up your sleeves. You’ll be stacking shelves with colleagues, getting to know our products, finding out about customer service and learning our unique approach to store management. With a week’s holiday squeezed in.

3 (of 15)
Aldi colleague holidays on the beach.

Week 14

You’ll have a week’s holiday to relax, absorb all that knowledge and to think about the great start you’ve made at Aldi.

4 (of 15)
Aldi colleague stacking shelves.

Weeks 15-24

We’ll give you the keys to a store. Once the detailed training’s done, you’ll take ownership over a set list of responsibilities. Then it’s time to put theory into practice within the store environment.

5 (of 15)
Aldi colleagues have a meeting.

Week 25-28

Taking charge of your own £multi-million business for a three-week cover, you’ll plan the rota, order over 1,700 products and manage your own team. You’ll then spend a week getting ready to present your achievements to the Store Operations Director.

6 (of 15)
Pair of boots on a hillside.

Week 29

Phew. Another breather. The programme's really gathering pace now so it's important to re-charge your batteries and just chill out for a week.

7 (of 15)
Three Aldi colleagues have a meeting.

Week 30-34

You’ll spend the next five weeks learning the ins and outs of the Area Manager role, with plenty of support from your Aldi mentor.

8 (of 15)
Four Aldi colleagues have a meeting.

Week 35

Bit of a change now as you visit workshops hosted by our regional experts. You’ll get to know everything from Health & Safety and HR processes, to Ordering and Availability.

9 (of 15)
Three Aldi colleagues work in the warehouse.

Week 36-37

Our huge network of stores relies on a range of support operations. During your Regional Office Training, you’ll get to know our Accounts, Trading and Business Administration teams and the kind of issues they handle.

10 (of 15)
Aldi colleague holidays on the beach.

Week 38

It’s holiday time again. A chance to reflect on the huge amount you’ve learned and feel very proud of yourself.

11 (of 15)
Four Aldi colleagues have a meeting.

Week 39-45

During the next seven weeks, you’ll be assessed on a variety of technical tasks, as well as your leadership ability. Mixing the two is vital for your development, so you can motivate and engage the teams around you.

12 (of 15)
Aldi colleague holidays in the mountains.

Week 46

Some more rest, happy in the knowledge that you’re near the finish line.

13 (of 15)
Aldi Area Manager helps out store colleague.

Week 47-51

Ready to look after an Area? This is your opportunity to have in-at-the-deep-end exposure to life as an Area Manager. You’ll cover for your colleagues while they’re on holiday and really put your skills to the test.

14 (of 15)
Aldi Area Manager colleagues leave store.

Week 52

It’s time for your final review and we’ll look at how far you’ve come. By now, you should be full of confidence and ready to take responsibility for your own group of stores.

15 (of 15)

What you'll need

There’s a specific Aldi way of doing things, so we’re after people with the right mind set. We’re efficient and determined, but everyone pulls together and works in harmony. So have you got the Aldi attitude?

  • Tick icon

    A 2:1 degree in any discipline

  • Tick icon

    A driving licence

  • Tick icon

    The right to work in the UK

Your benefits

  • £52,020 starting salary

    £52,020 starting salary

    Your generous starting salary will rise in increments to £98,050 in year 8.

  • Fully expensed electric company car

    Fully expensed electric company car

    You’ll collect your keys on day one, so you’ll need a full driving license.

  • Health & lifestyle

    Health & lifestyle

    You can also join our discounted health cash plan and take advantage of gym membership discounts, discounted cinema tickets, money off holidays and more!

  • Wellbeing

    Wellbeing

    Our wellbeing programme links to five key areas of wellbeing; physical, mental, nutritional, financial and social. Colleagues have access to an online wellness portal containing information and guidance, 24/7 employee assistant programme and wellbeing related benefits.

  • Excellent work-life balance

    Excellent work-life balance

    We want to look after you, so you’ll be given five weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays, work from home options and the ability to manage your own diary. 

  • Training & support

    Training & support

    With a dedicated mentor from day one, you’ll get the support you need. And even once the programme ends, you’ll get great development opportunities throughout your Aldi career.

  • A £multi-million business

    A £multi-million business

    This is the big one. As soon as you're ready - which could be even less than a year - you’ll take full responsibility for your own group of stores.

Where you will fit in

  • We’re divided up into thirteen regions.

  • Each region has its own Head Office led by…

  • a Managing Director, a group of Directors and an Administration team.

  • Each region has its own Distribution Centre (DC) which takes care of the flow of goods.

  • We also have our National Head Office, based in our Atherstone region.

  • As an Area Manager you’ll report to the Store Operations Director.

Our application process

  • 1
    Online Application

    Online Application

    You’ll need to complete an online application and tests that will assess your judgement and personal qualities, to see if we’re right for each other. This has been designed to measure your core skills and analytical abilities.

  • 2
    Video Interview

    Video Interview

    Lights, camera, action. This is your golden opportunity to showcase your knowledge of Aldi and brilliant leadership skills.

  • 3
    Online Test

    Online Test

    You’ll then be sent a link to complete an online psychometric test. This has been designed to measure your core skills and personal qualities, as well as to see if we’re right for each other.

  • 4
    Group Assessment

    Group Assessment

    If all goes well, you’ll be invited to a group assessment where you'll need to work as a team, but still let us know that you’ve done your homework about Aldi. We’re looking for your drive, professionalism and natural leadership skills. It’s a fair and consistent process, but make your presence known!

  • 5
    Final Interview

    Final Interview

    Well, you’re nearly there. If you’ve passed everything else, you’ll then have a final interview with the Regional Managing Director. So make sure you’re prepared!

Our application hints & tips

  • 1) Online ApplicationYou’ll need to complete an online application and various tests that will assess your judgement and analytical skills.
  • 2) Video ApplicationLights, camera, action. It’s all about you. This is a chance to impress us in a short video called ‘Who am I?’. Show us you’re a determined, charismatic leader who we couldn’t do without.
  • 3) Online TestYou’ll be sent a link to complete an online psychometric test. This has been designed to measure your core skills and personal qualities, to see if we’re right for each other.
  • 4) Group AssessmentIf all goes well, you’ll be invited to a Group Assessment where you'll need to work as a team, but still let us know that you’ve done your homework about Aldi. We’re looking for your drive, professionalism and natural leadership skills. It’s a fair and consistent process, but make your presence known!
  • 5) Final InterviewWell, you’re nearly there. If you’ve passed everything else, you’ll then have a final interview with the Regional Managing Director. So make sure you’re prepared!
1) Online ApplicationYou’ll need to complete an online application and various tests that will assess your judgement and analytical skills.
2) Video ApplicationLights, camera, action. It’s all about you. This is a chance to impress us in a short video called ‘Who am I?’. Show us you’re a determined, charismatic leader who we couldn’t do without.
3) Online TestYou’ll be sent a link to complete an online psychometric test. This has been designed to measure your core skills and personal qualities, to see if we’re right for each other.
4) Group AssessmentIf all goes well, you’ll be invited to a Group Assessment where you'll need to work as a team, but still let us know that you’ve done your homework about Aldi. We’re looking for your drive, professionalism and natural leadership skills. It’s a fair and consistent process, but make your presence known!
5) Final InterviewWell, you’re nearly there. If you’ve passed everything else, you’ll then have a final interview with the Regional Managing Director. So make sure you’re prepared!
Job search background image

Start your Aldi career today

As part of your application, we’ll ask you to confirm your preferred locations. Please note that if your location is not recruiting, we may ask you to consider your second preference.

The application window for our 2026/27 recruitment season is now OPEN.

Search for a Graduate Area Manager role

FAQs

As soon as possible! We do recruit all year round but spaces go very quickly, particularly in the Autumn.

Absolutely. You don't need a degree in business or retail, and previous management experience isn't essential. We welcome applications from graduates with a minimum 2:1 degree in any subject. We're looking for people who can demonstrate strong leadership potential, resilience, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to take on new challenges. We'll provide you with the training and support needed to develop into a successful Area Manager, so we're more interested in your potential and ambition than a specific degree subject or management background.

If you've already applied but not been successful, you’ll need to wait 12 months before reapplying. But you’re welcome to apply for other roles with a lower level of responsibility any time.

The Group Assessment will be held virtually. The Final Managing Director Interview will be held at the Regional Distribution Centre within the region to which you have applied. If your application is successful, we'll let you know all the details nearer the time.

As an Area Manager, flexibility is an important part of the role. We don't always know exactly where you'll be placed when you join us, but we'll always take your preferred location into account and do our best to keep you working within your chosen region. There may be occasions where additional travel, and in some circumstances relocation, is required to support the needs of the business. We're looking for people who are adaptable and comfortable with this level of flexibility. To help you understand what this could look like in practice, our recruitment team and hiring managers will be happy to discuss this with you during the interview process.

You'll need to provide the very best support to your Store team. So that can involve working weekends and bank holidays; we do ask for you to be flexible and we'll accommodate your needs in return.

The minimum requirement for our Graduate Area Manager Programme is a 2:1 undergraduate degree. However we also have plenty of other management opportunities within our stores with further information available on our website.

We recruit around 30 Area Managers every year. But this could change as our business continues to expand.

A full driving licence and a valid UK work permit (and that drive and determination we've been talking about!).

Yes is the short answer. As long as you've met the criteria of course.

You're welcome to use AI tools and technology as a helpful resource to prepare for your interview. These tools can support your practice and build your confidence ahead of the big day. However, it's important that you present your genuine self throughout your application and interview. We highly value authenticity and integrity because we want to hear your own voice, ideas and experiences - not just what AI suggests might be the right answer. Our goal is to ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process for all candidates.