Lidl's logistics in need of graduate examination
Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain at leading UK supermarket Lidl are in need of graduate examination, according to the company.
Leading German supermarket Lidl is struggling to cope with its increasing UK presence in the United Kingdom. The supermarket is need of improvements being made to its Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain and has now turned to graduates to help amend the challenges they are facing in this area.
Graduates are now being looked to as solutions to these various challenges with Lidl relying on the tenacity and enthusiasm many university leavers bring with them into the workplace. Lidl are looking for graduates to join them in one of three areas (Logistics, Supply Chain or Operations) and implement their changes they need to continue to be a growing force in retail in the UK.
Each of the areas are based at one of Lidl's distribution centres in either Birmingham or Southampton where graduates will spend six to twelve months learning how to thrive in this environment. To be considered for the role however, Lidl want to see graduates with real drive, commercial awareness and entrepreneurial flair.
Kelvin Mantle, who works in Logistics at Lidl, has spoken about the variety he faces in his role. Mantle said 'We are currently in the process of opening our newest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Northfleet, South East England. The new RDC will help to drive growth for the business by providing an improved supply chain for the fast growing London and South East market. We are working with our current RDCs, our stores, external contractors and various head office departments to ensure this operation is a success.'
Mantle also highlighted the difficulties they have to overcome as part of his role at Lidl. He said 'The most challenging part of my job is analysing bottlenecks and inefficient elements in Transport, and having to think of innovative solutions to overcome them.'
'Ironically though, and what makes my role so exciting, is that this also happens to be the most rewarding aspect too! I find it extremely satisfying when I see the solutions that my team and I came up with leading to new optimised processes and cost savings for our business, as it shows we really are making a difference.'
However, he believes that Lidl is an excellent place for graduates. The best thing about Mantle's role is '...the level of responsibility you are given at an early stage of your career. The level of trust placed in me as a new employee was fantastic, and it exposed me to varied areas of the business which quickly helped develop both my skills and my confidence.'
'The continuous improvement of our working environment is also something that I feel makes Lidl a great place to work. For example, in a recent survey we, as employees, asked for a discount card and within months we were given it!'