A competitive salary along with our extensive benefits package ensures Lidl continue to be a leading employer in the retail sector. The end goal is to ensure our area managers develop both personally and professionally by being given the right training tools and support from the company. This in turn enables them to develop their store teams and future leaders in the business.
When you join Lidl you are welcomed in by a wide range of colleagues, all there to help and support you on your journey. If you are looking for a role where you can gain invaluable insights into a multitude of different areas from team management to project management and improve on business competence and your leadership skills then this is the role for you.
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We decided to talk to two of our current area managers, Rob and Emma, about their own personal experiences, to gain more of an insight into the full scope of the role.
Rob, why did you decide to join Lidl?
I joined Lidl in April 2016 as an area manager because I wanted to find a role that allowed me to develop my leadership skills, while utilising some of the skills that I had attained in previous employments. I felt that the role of an area manager represented a more challenging environment and that the position would allow me to progress in the business at a faster rate. As an area manager, I have significant autonomy over how I structure my working week. I now lead one of the highest turnover districts in Ireland and have responsibility for 122 team members. The most enjoyable part of the role is the development of team members. There is a sense of accomplishment and reward when you have the opportunity to promote a team member within the business.
What do you think is the biggest benefit of working for a company like Lidl?
One of the biggest benefits of working for Lidl is the internal promotional culture. This provides the opportunity to progress into a number of areas of the business and gain exposure to different business facets that interest you. I have always been supported by my line manager and when an opportunity to develop my technical knowledge presented itself, my line manager facilitated me in sitting the FAE accountancy exams during the summer which I really appreciated.
Do you see yourself staying with Lidl long term?
I envisage a long career with Lidl and hope to continue my development in the business. I am constantly learning within my current role and enjoy the exposure to decision-making at a strategic level. As an area manager, you aim to foster a positive working environment for your store teams so they can flourish in their role and develop further. I aim to provide them with the opportunity to upskill themselves, gain further responsibilities and progress within the business.
Emma, what is the training like for the role?
The training plan gives an immediate insight into the fast-paced and dynamic day-to-day life of our store teams. It is a physical job and there is no point in shying away from this. Training at store level provides you with a level of understanding and respect for what our customer assistants, deputy store manager and store managers deliver on a daily basis. You need to approach all facets of your training with the determination of knowing the processes and procedures inside and out. Then be able to take a step back and be strategic in defining best practice and assessing where efficiencies can be gained.
Can you tell me about what a typical day looks like for an area manager?
I spend 90 per cent of my time on the road and visiting my five stores. I currently have the Kildare and Meath area. Although I am not based in my regional distribution centre I do speak to these departments on a daily basis. I decide what days I work, being retail we work Monday to Sunday. I also decide where I am best placed and, again, this could be to conduct inventories, recruitment, personnel or strategic training sessions with my management teams. I am responsible for 110 employees, 19 of these are deputy managers and store managers. A large proportion of my time is spent with personnel management. We have trained our store managers how to manage their employees’ day-to-day personnel matters. As an area manager I would step in to support and advise a store manager on these situations but I would also need to take charge of the more sensitive matters.
Would you recommend others to apply for the area manager role?
If you are someone with initiative, personal drive and a strong work ethic, I would say don’t think twice, apply. I was approached by an external recruitment agency back in 2014 when I was working as a store manager in a high street footwear retailer. I was hesitant at taking such a leap into the unknown. However, it is the best career move I have made to date. Take confidence in yourself, a new year and a new you with Lidl.