EDEKA
Maria Stotz completed a trainee program and now works as a buyer in the company.
Ms. Stotz, what did you do before the trainee program?
I completed a dual course of study at the Nordakademie in Elmshorn. I alternated between working in blocks at the university and full-time in the company. The focus of study in both theory and practice was strategic marketing/product management.
What motivated you to complete the trainee program at EDEKA?
I discovered my passion for brand and product management during my dual studies. The exciting developments in the area of private labels in recent years have also fascinated me, so I also wrote my thesis in the area of brand management. It quickly became clear to me that my career path would also take me into the food retail sector.
The trainee program at EDEKA was a great opportunity for me to get to know the different interfaces of the three-tier network. However, I already knew before the assessment center at EDEKA that I wanted to help shape the own brand range after the trainee program.
What were your experiences during the trainee program?
As a cooperatively organized company, EDEKA is incredibly complex and very heterogeneous in many areas. Through the trainee program, I gained insight into numerous departments at headquarters, but also in the regional EDEKA wholesalers, at Netto Marken-Discount and in retail. This enabled me to get to know the network, from the retail shelves to the wholesale operations right up to the strategic heart of the EDEKA headquarters. These experiences help me a lot in my daily work and I can act in a particularly practical manner.
What is your conclusion at the end of the trainee program?
In the 18 months, I not only acquired a lot of important knowledge, but also built up a good network across the entire network. In this way, I was optimally prepared step by step for my current position as a buyer and am now taking on responsibility and supervising demanding projects.
ALDI NORTH
As district manager, Catherina Schwarz looks after seven branches in the Dortmund area, each with ten employees.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in retail after studying International Management?
After graduating, it was important for me to apply for a job in a field that was as untouched as possible by economic crises. This is how I first came across food retail. And at ALDI NORD I simply liked the corporate philosophy best.
What did your first days and months of work as district manager look like ?
Everyone who starts at ALDI NORD gets to know the company in all its facets. This means that for the first few months everyone in a branch works practically on site. This gives you an intensive insight into the structures and processes, gets to know customer needs up close and experiences the team spirit in the branch. Later you take over the representation of the branch management or the sales point as the sole branch manager. The whole thing takes about six months. You then accompany an experienced district manager in his daily work in his sales district. The district manager has sole responsibility for several branches. For example, I first learned how to structure my working days most effectively, but I am also supported by experienced colleagues when it comes to dealing with the key figures, the employees entrusted to me or dealing with difficult situations. This helps to deal with the many new impressions and situations. By working with different district managers, you get to know different ways of working and can decide on the best path for yourself.
As a young woman, is it difficult for you to assert yourself among your colleagues?
There are also many women at ALDI NORD, especially among the district managers. So it was natural for my colleagues to include me in their team. It is important that you have great commitment and interest in the work and that you not only have explanations of how you should do something, but also why, so that you can also contribute new things yourself. This works wonderfully.
What opportunities for advancement do you have at ALDI NORD?
ALDI NORD has a flat corporate hierarchy, which is what makes it so attractive. With us, every trainee can work their way up to branch management and ultimately to district management. The same is true at the district manager level: Any district manager with the necessary commitment can also become a sales manager, head of the central warehouse, human resources and administration manager or even managing director of a regional company. At the moment I'm enjoying my job as it is, but also because I know that I have prospects for further development.
ALDI SOUTH
As regional sales manager, Christoph Heinl looks after six branches with 70 employees in the Offenbach area.
Describe your job in three words!
Versatile, independent, responsible.
Why did you choose the trade sector?
Towards the end of school it was clear to me that I wanted to work with people in my later professional life and take on responsibility at an early age. You can find both in stores. In addition, food retail in particular offers a lot of variety and constantly new challenges.
Can you describe a typical working day?
The day usually begins at one of the branches in the area. Here you first go to the sales area, where in addition to cleanliness and order, you also pay attention to the availability in the fresh produce areas and the presentation of the promotional items. Afterwards, we discuss open points and organizational issues over a cup of coffee with the branch manager. Then we go to the next branch. There is an interview with a potential trainee. After a quick look at the emails and a conversation with the branch manager about the applicant, we move on to the next branch. A meeting takes place here with craftsmen and the head of store development to discuss details about replacing the refrigerated shelf. On the way to the next branch, you use the travel time to discuss the current status of a project with colleagues. It's late afternoon. Until the end of the day, the focus is now particularly on availability and quality in the fresh areas such as fruit and vegetables, baked goods and fresh meat. Any potential for improvement is discussed with the branch manager and support is offered.
A 'work trip' abroad: Would this be possible at ALDI SÜD?
Yes, there is the possibility of working in one of our regional companies in English-speaking countries – Australia, England, Ireland or the USA – for around two years. During the semester abroad as part of my dual study program, I was able to get a taste of a regional company in the USA and could therefore very well imagine spending time abroad again for ALDI SÜD. I find the USA particularly exciting and interesting because we are already very successful there, but at the same time the market still offers great development opportunities.
The ALDI NORD group of companies is represented with 35 regional companies and more than 2,400 branches in western, eastern and northern Germany. ALDI SÜD consists of 31 independent companies with currently 1,830 branches in western and southern Germany. The two corporate groups have family ties.
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EDEKA Maria Stotz completed a trainee program and now works as a buyer in the company. Ms. Stotz, what did you do before the trainee program? I completed a dual course of study at the Nordakademie in Elmshorn. I alternated between working in blocks at the university and full-time in the company. Study focus in both theory and practice
