Future Leaders Graduate Programme (Retail) 2024

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 DHL joining Supply Chain, you are joining a company that offers limitless opportunities to grow. DHL Supply Chain has 6 Business Units all of which offer Graduate opportunities, here you read more about working for our Retail business unit.

The programme overview

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 and 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.

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. 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.

Logistics is more than getting the product from A to B. At DHL supply chain we combine management and value-added services with our customised, integrated logistics solutions which drives resilience, efficiency, improves quality and creates competitive advantage.

Main responsibilities

• 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 will the programme look like

• 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 throughDHL's Foundation by helping achieve the vision to end youth unemployment

Required personal qualities

• 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

Entry requirements

• 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 does not offer visa sponsorships)
• Must be fluent in English
• No minimum degree grade
• 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

Benefits

As part of a growing DHL population, you'll receive access to a variety of excellent benefits including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, medical cover, childcare vouchers, retail discounts, mental health support, and private GP services. As a Graduate your salary will increase throughout the programme, and you will be included in the annual bonus scheme.

Networks

At DHL we want everyone to be their true selves in the workplace. We are committed to ensuring people feel like they can contribute and that they belong. We primarily focus on 6 key pillars, Ability, Ethnic and National origin, Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+ and Generations and in the UKI we are committed to focus on Educating, Supporting and Celebrating diversity!

Future prospects

We want graduates to build their careers and fast track into management. Graduates can contribute their ideas to influence the success of our business and be a part of an organization that makes an impact to society as well as to the world of logistics. After your programme you will transition into the Alumni community to continue the growth of your career.

Want to know more?

Join us for a live Insights session where you can hear from our Retail Managing Director and current Graduates and ask any more questions you may have. Click here to register for the event.

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 be invited to an Experience Day where we can meet you.

Retail Experience Day Date: 21 February 2024 in person in Birmingham