Meet the team

‘I served for 10 years in total. I joined in 2003 at the age of 21 and within 6 months of joining, I was patrolling the streets of Basra in Southern Iraq as a Trooper in the 9th/12th Royal Lancers. I decided on a career change in 2012 and took a civilian job with British Gas as a fitter the following year. I never worked in Logistics or Retail before and I wanted a challenge that was both rewarding and challenging. I had worked in many roles since leaving the Army in 2013 and never really felt that other roles challenging me or utilised my work ethic or ‘can-do attitude’ I started with Lidl in 2016 within Distribution and Recycling and in 2018 succeeded in passing the Lidl leadership, management and development Initiative and was selected to support the Warehouse Maintenance Department as the Assistant Maintenance Manager and I never left. In 2022 I went on to apply to become the next Maintenance Manager of Wednesbury RDC.

Seeing my team pull together to deliver the desired result is the most fulfilling part of my role. We draw on each others skillsets, learn from failure and push each other to be better and I could not be prouder of the team each day

Lidl develops my skills and has shown me that opportunities are vast. The wages reflect the effort, we work hard and we reap the benefits. There is a certain togetherness and regional identity that benefits the military unit mindset - be that a Regiment, Squadron or a Ship- Lidl garner a real sense of belonging and unity.

The military ethos is about knuckling down and getting the job done as a team- that is the very same ethos that Lidl operate under. The mission is simple; be the best!

Lidl have given me countless development opportunities and initiatives. They understand that the more they put in the more they get out of people, and everyone benefits from that logic. I have had the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe environment whilst having the safety net of my peers for support and guidance. I have an annual development plan and this is managed by my line manager and I have an annual review which shows you where the development is benefitting me. Its structured, personal and works really well. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, whether they are from Logistics, Sales or Head office, the mission is a fully collaborative one that relies on every person doing their bit. That’s the Armed Forces way, our way!

I would absolutely recommend Lidl as an employer. If you like a different challenge every day, enjoy hard work and developing relationships with people, driving and developing teams and thrive on responsibility then Lidl is the place for you.

I served for 22 years in the Royal Logistic Corps, going from the rank of Private to Warrant Office Class 2. During this time, I deployed on the following Operations. 3 x Bosnia, 3 x Kosovo, 3 x Iraq and 2 x Afghanistan. Lidl was my first role from the military, and I found the same team ethos which suited me well. I’ve been with Newton Aycliffe for approximately 8 years now, 3 years with Selection (Warehouse Operations) night shift and 5 years with Goods In (Warehouse Process). I started as an Assistant Team Manager and recently progressed to Department Manager. During my time with Lidl, I’ve completed many challenging periods, such as COVID-19, Driver shortages, Supply Chain Issues (Russia & Ukraine) and major regional distribution construction projects. All of which have been very rewarding challenges to have been involved with.

I was very impressed with the company’s growth within the retail sector and professionalism at all levels, with a very high impetus on teamwork which I’ve always enjoyed throughout both of my careers in the Military and Lidl alike. During the interview stage, I was impressed with the drive, ambition and pride all personnel had with and for the company. Also, the ability to progress, not only in the chosen path but others as well.

The skills set regarding warehousing has been easily transferrable, all the same principles apply just the SAP systems changed. Therefore, I’ve been able to bring my experience in Stock control, Inventory control, Warehouse flow planning and Productivity from my military career. Due to me completing the military resettlement 2-year program, I found the transition from military to the civilian working environment relatively easy.

My team all work together to achieve the same goal, assisting each other when required. Showing commitment to the tasks and the overall job at hand each day. This ensures each team member feel valued and belongs to a hard-working team which leads by example to all new personnel joining the team. Also knowing the support from all levels of management is there as and when required.

I would and already have recommended Lidl as an employer and I’ve always assisted any Ex-Military during their first stages in Newton Aycliffe at all levels.

I served over 22 years in the Royal Signals and was posted and detached to Germany, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Iraq, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and The Falkland Islands. I left in 2005 and subsequently served as an FCO Diplomat for 9 years then several commercial roles including Network Design Lead at The AA before joining Lidl in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic.

My experience and training in the military has served me well in my role with Lidl GB.  Problem solving, working under pressure, the ability to get things done without close supervision have benefited me well.  I am trusted to do my job with minimal oversight and management.  Much of my technical knowledge that I learned in the military crosses over into the communications systems that the company has.

My role means that I travel approximately monthly to our Regional Distribution Centres around the country to carry out work such as installs and upgrades, but most of my work is office based.  I have the opportunity to work from home three days a week.

My team mates are mutually supporting and have a can-do attitude.  We are in it together and put the effort in for one another.  Our leadership is approachable and welcoming of constructive feedback

I would wholeheartedly recommend a career in Lidl GB.  It is an employer that takes care of its staff and invests in them.  I get plenty of career development opportunities to obtain new skills.  The company uses the latest networking technologies, and we are well supported in getting to grips with new tech as it is introduced.

I served nearly a decade in the Royal Navy, where I achieved the rank of Leading Radio Operator. During my service, I was posted on two warships, HMS Invincible and HMS London. While aboard HMS Invincible, I participated in two deployments to the Bosnia conflict, for which I was awarded a medal in recognition of my service. The Falkland Islands hosts a military presence. I had the opportunity to visit twice, in 1996 and 1998. During my visit in 1998, I met my husband, who was serving in the Army at that time.

It was an old school friend that suggested that I apply for a role within Lidl GB.  Knowing I had served in the Royal Navy and how the company is structured, she thought it would be a good fit, she was right! I joined Lidl GB in October 2018 in preparation for the opening of the Doncaster Regional Distribution Centre in January 2019. My career with Lidl began with two weeks of training at the Gainsborough Store, which was a challenging yet valuable experience. Following this, I spent twelve weeks working away from home to gain further insights into the role by collaborating with colleagues from other regions.

I take great satisfaction in the support aspect of my role, where I provide assistance to the Senior Team, Area Managers and store Colleagues.

Lidl impressed me as an employer due to its commitment to values that prioritise employee well-being and work-life balance. Having served in the military and spent extended periods away from home, a work-life balance became a crucial factor for me when applying for jobs. Lidl GB and the military share similarities in their structured environments, making them easy to understand. Lidl is committed to providing employees with the essential resources required to perform their tasks effectively, similar to the expectation the Navy would have had regarding the provision of necessary tools for completing assigned duties. I joined the company as a CAT 6, after receiving a promotion four years ago, I am currently the Assistant Team Manager of the Sales Team. Lidl excels in providing training opportunities to support any professional development needs or goals.

I feel fortunate to be part of a team that shares the same values and is dedicated to delivering high-quality work. There is a saying in the RN, "work hard, play hard," and I believe Lidl GB embodies a similar philosophy.

I would certainly recommend considering a position at Lidl GB after completing military service.

I was in the Household Cavalry for 15 years. I served in both ceremonial and operational roles. On the ceremonial side I was based at Hyde Park Barracks as a mounted trooper and completed numerous parades on horse guards parade square and other locations. I also completed my riding instructors course which is a 6 month intensive course.

I started with Lidl 10 years ago as a Supervisor. Since then I have moved around quite a bit. I started my training in Weston Super-mare and then on to Northfleet. After a few years I completed a 7 month secondment to Walsall and then on to Lutterworth as an Assistant Team Manager. In 2017 I was successful at becoming the Regional Training consultant in preparation for opening the Peterborough Regional Distribution Centre in 2020. After moving to Peterborough in 2020 I went back to Logistics and was then successful at becoming Team Manager Distribution and Recycling in April 2022. The Culture and structure appealed to me to apply. It is very similar to the armed forces. I feel Lidl are very open about expectations, we offer a very competitive salary but are not shy about what the expectations are. This is what I as a service leaver look for. Adjusting to working in a civilian company was a challenge. Lidl helped me ease into it and were great with giving feedback. One of the biggest things that has helped me would be the work ethic. In the Forces you have to get the job done, no matter what. I believe in this still and never leave a job unfinished.

Leadership is a big part of the forces and a great transferrable skill. Being a NCO in the army you complete a lot of leadership courses and these transfer to any role you would go into that requires you to be a leader / manager.

How have I felt supported? Feedback, Feedback, Feedback. I have had a lot of very good managers that have been very honest with me from day one. They have given me both positive and constructive feedback of which I have always tried to take on and work on. The team I work with as peers are close and we all work towards a single goal, as such we are quite cohesive. The team I manage are like a small family.

I would recommend Lidl as an employer yes, the company has many varied roles and is learning to value the skills that the military bring to their business. I have recruited multiple veterans into my department also.