E-commerce And Retail Future Leaders Graduate Programme 2025

Founded in 1969, DHL is the world's leading logistics company. Our 395,000 people in over 220 countries and territories work every day to help our customers cross borders, reach new markets and grow their businesses. DHL Supply Chain, part of the DHL Group, is the world's leading logistics provider and by joining DHL Supply Chain, you are joining a company that offers limitless opportunities to grow. DHL Supply Chain has 5 Business Units all of which offer Graduate opportunities, here you read more about working for our Retail business unit. 

Who are E-commerce and Retail?

Our Business Unit brings the vast majority of our core warehousing & transport operations (from retail) into a single team. We adopt a sub-BU structure, splitting ourselves into 3 areas: Fashion & Beauty, Home, Garden & Leisure and Food & Grocery. This allows us to focus on standardising and harnessing our scale so we can be truly brilliant, safe, efficient and value creating. 

We are an essential part of everyday life for the high street and online retailers. For example, we serve 80% of the retailers on London's Oxford Street. Our ambition is that our Retail BU will be a market leading logistics provider for Retailers in the UK.

What to expect when on the programme?

Our UK nationwide Future Leaders Programme is all about developing Senior Leaders of the future in our operations. By working in our warehousing and transport operations we will give you the skills and experience you need to fast track your way through DHL Supply Chain. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility with a supportive culture that helps you get the most out of your time as a Graduate, whilst building on your people and stakeholder management skills and becoming an expert in all things Operations. 

• 24 -month structured Programme (2 x 12-month placements) 
• Placements will be based at a minimum of 2 sites across the 2-year programme 
• Completion of Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification (alongside our internal Certified Supervisory training) 
• Based in warehouse or Transport Operations 
• Early accountability and fast progression 
• Experience of working within diverse sites and environments 
• Regular performance feedback and personal growth planning through a structured learning plan.  
• Contribute to DHL's sustainability 2050 mission of zero emissions.  
• The opportunity to network with the wider Graduate and Apprentice population. 
• Give back to the community through DHL's Foundation by helping achieve the vision to end youth unemployment 

What kind of work will I do?

• Help us pave the way to enhance customer and employee experiences and improve operational performance. 
• To coordinate and provide support in the running of a safe and efficient operation. 
• Prepare and execute the shift handover with coordinators of next shift. 
• Conduct pre-shift meetings, communicating site performance indicators and improvement actions. 
• Individual and team management to include monitoring team and individual performance against KPIs. 
• Participate in Projects within site. 
• Get involved with and support Continuous Improvement. 
• Learning the end-to-end processes at your placement site. 
• Participate and engage in CSR activities. 
• During your time on the programme, you will progress to manage people and relationships with Customers and Stakeholders. 
• Contribute to site development and lead projects. 
• Understand the importance of quality and compliance within the core processes that we execute across the business unit. 

Throughout the course of the placement, you will be given the skills, knowledge, and experience to equip you to manage real life situations within a global, lead logistics company.  

What skills do I need?

• A desire to be a People Manager and to guide teams of people through the day-to-day business 
• Do not need to have completed a degree in an associated area (I.e. Supply Chain Management) 
• A desire to work with others in a team environment and a willingness to learn 

What entry requirements do I need?

• Fully mobile to relocate within the UK (graduates are required to relocate every 12 months for their placements whilst on the programme) 
• Must hold a valid UK driving license or be self-reliant to travel to multiple sites when required 
• Eligibility to work in the UK (DHL Supply Chain does not offer visa sponsorships. if you currently have a time-limited visa, you will be asked for your visa end date as part of your application) 
• Must be fluent in English 
• No minimum degree grade and any degree subject welcome 
• As part of the Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification, you must have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 consecutive years as it is a government funded apprenticeship programme.

What's in it for me?

Compensation

• Starting Salary: £29,000 per annum, with increases throughout the programme and inclusion in the annual bonus scheme.  
• Relocation Allowance: Up to £1,000 if eligible, depending on placement location.  

Benefits

• Perks: 25 days holiday, pension scheme, medical cover, childcare vouchers, retail discounts, mental health support, and private GP services.  

Networks

• Inclusivity: We prioritize diversity across six key pillars: Ability, Ethnic and National origin, Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+, and Generations. Our focus is on Educating, Supporting, and Celebrating diversity.  

Future Prospects

• Career Growth: Fast-track into management, contribute to our business success, and join our Alumni community post-programme for continued career development. 

Working week: 40 – 42 hours shift patterns will apply and differ depending on your placement. 

Application process

Our application process is simple – you'll complete an online application form, then take an online strengths assessment, followed by an online job simulation. Provided you meet the required criteria, you'll then be invited to a virtual programme overview session where you can learn the details about the role you've applied to! If it's still something you're excited about, you'll be invited to an Experience Day (aka Assessment Centre) where we can meet you in person. 

If you decide to make an application, please make a note of the Experience Day date as we only hold one per role.

Ecommerce and Retail Experience Day Date: 1st April 2025

Please note, we receive a high number of applications for our graduate programmes and may close the vacancy early if we're oversubscribed. if you're interested, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

As our Graduate Programmes are permanent positions, it is essential for candidates to have suitable visas that allow them to work without restrictions upon completing the programme. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.