Assistant Store Manager Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year work placement at Aldi. Although it was a difficult task adjusting to the demanding needs of retail management, the company offer an in-depth training programme that seeks to develop individuals into leaders. The most enjoyable aspect of the placement was the ability to develop high performance teams and hit targets set by senior management.

As the placement is based around several stores, you must develop many different forms of workplace relationships. These can vary from the caretaker of a store, to the Area Manager. With this in mind, it is essential that you feel valued by your peers. At Aldi there is a significant emphasis placed upon the wellbeing and morale of the team that is addressed through regular updates and the process of feedback. I felt as though the company were very accepting of my role within the business that helped me throughout the year.

Regular updates with both the direct leader (manager) and personnel leader (Area Manager) offer the opportunity to express any concerns that you may have about your progress. During these feedback sessions the level of support and guidance is given in abundance by the different forms of management. In every situation there is always somebody that is willing to offer their help or insight that can be used as a base for decision making.

I was extremely busy during the placement, on many occasions I lost track of time. This sort of occurrence is indicative of the fast paced, intense nature of discount retail. The level of responsibility that is given during the placement dictates the nature of the job role, every day a large number of tasks would be required for completion. Therefore, employee engagement is a considerable element to the placement that ensures not one day can ever be described as monotonous.

Responsibility is the key element of the placement year. Although the scheme gains a high level of interest for its remuneration and car perks, in terms of what I have enjoyed the most about this placement year is the amount of responsibility I have been given. The initial entrance into the scheme begins slow, by working stock and completing everyday store tasks, but soon into management training you given more serious tasks such as safe control and ordering stock for sale.

The training I have received will hopefully serve to increase my output next year at University. Major developments in terms of punctuality, self organisation and motivation, presentation skills and report writing shall transgress into the final year of my studies. Beyond Academia, the skills I have developed this year in terms of leadership and management will be pivotal in my success in future job roles.

There was a large difference between the two atmospheres of the store and regional head office. Whilst operating within store, there is a much greater emphasis on productivity and working as part of a team to complete goals in a short time period. This contrasts with Head office, where the environment is extremely formal and more time is spent at a desk working on projects.

The placement was divided into two sections. The first 7 months are based in a store, you begin as a store assistant until you train at each level of the team into an Assistant store manager. During this period you generally work in 2 to 3 stores within the same area, although the plan is subject to change. The second half of the placement is split into different departments at Head Office where you work as part of a team of other Placement Students and complete different projects for the business.

The firm spend a lot of time in training and development. At regular intervals feedback is given by the direct leader who is your store manager during the first 7 months. This feedback is then given to the Personnel Leader (Mentor) of your placement who will have regular updates to discuss key areas of development with particular time devoted to developing individuals in Leadership.

The Area Manager role often receives great attention for its remuneration and company car offer, however what appeals to most Placement Students is the great level of responsibility given within the business and the opportunity for progression. Once given an Area, typically strong members of the management team are promoted to a Directory role.

No. Unfortunately due to the demanding nature of discount retail, the hours are typically demanding and organizing socials amongst IP’s is rather difficult during the first 7 months. The company do not organize any social events for the Placement Students outside of the work environment, nor do they plan similar shift patterns to allow for events to take place. Whilst at Head Office the opportunity to organize a social scene becomes easier, however this must be done independent of working hours and therefore you receive little in support of such activities.

I lived at home during the placement. This meant that I had a lot more money to spend on socializing than perhaps other placement students that were required to re-locate. having this higher level of pay than other placement schemes meant that I was extremely comfortable during the year and was also able to save a considerable amount during the year whilst also socializing with friends with enough money to spare.

Again, I lived at home during the placement and therefore I already knew what the nightlife would be like. With this in mind I enjoyed having enough money to spend on going to places that I would not normally visit or perhaps spend more money whilst on a night out. Quite a contrast to the University experience!

No. Some events did take place out of work, including a football event and also a few nights out with other IP’s. However, this was organized by myself, independent of the company which is not ideal. I feel as though this is a significant disadvantage to the Aldi Placement Scheme that could certainly be improved.