Graduate Programmes UK
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An update on our Graduate Programmes

 Our Next Generation Talent programmes have been a big part of how we grow future talent.  But the world’s changing fast, and we want to keep up.  So, we’re hitting pause on early careers recruitment until September 2026 to give the programme a proper glow-up.  We’re redesigning it to better match what Gen Z and Gen Alpha are looking for, while making sure it fits with our big-picture goals. In the meantime, we’re learning, improving, and getting ready to come back with something smarter, sharper, and more exciting than ever.
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Future Leaders Programme
Our UK nationwide Future Leaders Programme is all about developing Senior Leaders of the future within our Operations. A 24-month structured Programme (2 x 12-month placements) in your selected business unit – Manufacturing Logistics, Network Transport Solutions, ECommerce & Retail, Consumer & Convenience and Healthcare & Specialist Logistics, you will be provided with the opportunity to complete 2 placements across 2 different sites whilst on the programme. 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, whilst working towards Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification (alongside our internal Certified Supervisory training).

Register your interest to be the first to hear about our roles going live in Autumn 2026. 
Manufacturing and Logistics
In Manufacturing Logistics, we do exactly what you'd think - we provide logistics and supply chain solutions to manufacturing companies across various industries. As Future Leader Graduate within this Business Unit you will have exposure to work across our 4 pillars which are; Passenger Transport, Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy and Chemicals, Jaguar Landrover and Finished Vehicle Solutions.
Register your interest
Network Transport Solutions
The Network Transport Solutions Business unit works across the UKI to support our customers making deliveries and help drive our growth agenda. As a Future Leader within this business unit you can expect to work across the 2 key areas, Tradeteam and Core Transport.  
Register your interest
Healthcare and Specialist Logistics
Healthcare and Specialist Logistics business unit brings all our end-to-end solutions together in one place. As a Future Leader in the business unit you will get visibility to the unique and exciting world of Supply Chain. From handling life saving drugs & technology to working closely with some of our biggest Aviation and Public Sector customers.  
Register your interest
Retail and E-commerce
The Retail 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. As a Future Leader Graduate you will be 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.
Register your interest
Consumer and Convenience
The Consumer and Convenience business unit offer a wide range of flexible, end-to-end, specialised solutions for consumer goods manufacturers across a high number of UK sites. A Future Leader Graduate can expect to work with some of the UK's biggest supermarket chains to support the delivery of  consumer goods into their stores.  
Register your interest

Functional Graduate Programmes
Our 2-3 year long Graduate programmes are designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed and become a leader of the future.  

Register your interest to be the first to hear about our roles going live in Autumn 2026. 
Finance 
Our UK Finance Programme is a structured programme to provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a Finance Specialist. During your programme, you may undertake positions such as a Finance Assistant, Business Analyst, or Finance Manager, and be involved in large-scale Finance Projects which you support and manage.

What to expect from the programme:
36-month structured programme (3  x 12-month placements) 
Placements will differ being based at site or located regionally 
Completion of CIMA professional qualification.
Register your interest
Digital & Technology 
The Digital and Technology function drives innovation and efficiency through cutting-edge solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies, we optimise logistics operations, enhance supply chain visibility and deliver superior customer experiences. Join our programme to help us stay at the forefront of the industry, continuously improving and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our clients. 

What to expect from the programme:
24-month structured programme (2 x 12-month placements). Placements will be based at site or in the central IT team. Support towards a MSc Digital & Technology Specialist Masters qualification.
Register your interest
Business Development 
DHL's UK Business Development graduate programme is all about developing leaders for  the future to support the growth of the  business.  

During your programme you may undertake positions such as indirect sales support and bid excellence along with being involved in high profile customer projects.

What to expect from the programme:
24-month structured programme (2 x 12-month placements) 
Placements will differ being based at site or located regionally 
Completion of Technical Sales Qualification
Register your interest
Project Management
Our UK Project Management Programme provides exciting placement opportunities for graduates to experience working on and managing medium to large projects, in line with DHL project management methodology to achieve real, successful delivery.

What to expect from the programme:
36 month structured programme (multiple placements based on live projects).
Placements will differ being based at site or located regionally.
Completion of professional qualifications - APM, PMQ.
Register your interest
HR
Our UK HR Programme is all about developing  business leaders of the future specializing in recruitment, management and supporting employees.  During your time, you may undertake positions such as HR Generalist roles, HR Specialist roles, HR Coordinator or be involved in large-scale HR Projects which you support & manage. 

What to expect from the programme:
24-month structured programme (2 x 12-month placements) 
Placements will differ being based at site or located regionally 
Completion of CIPD Level 5  professional qualification.
Register your interest
Marketing
Depending on which area you are placed within the Marketing department will determine which opportunities you are exposed to. Whether it’s getting out to sites to create photo and video content with the Brand Awareness team, attending customer events and days out with the Customer Engagement team or building tailored campaigns and measuring every success in the Product Campaign team. The opportunities in the Marketing programme are a fantastic way to experience multiple areas of the industry.

What to expect from the programme:
A 24 -month structured Programme (2 x 12-month placements)
Placements be remote with the expectation of travel
Completion of Marketing qualification
Register your interest
Operations Excellence Assurance
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking for a Graduate role who has an interest in making a difference and is passionate about Sustainability.

Our UK Operations Excellence Assurance Programme is all about developing our leaders of the future who have a passion for Supply Chain and strive for ‘Excellence’ The programme focusses on delivering a holistic experience of Supply Chain, helping prepare Graduates for a successful career and providing the skills they need to succeed. The Programme encompasses 3 x 8 months placements across area that play a key part in the success of Operations Excellence’s focuses and delivering an exceptional service to our customers.
Register your interest
Operations Excellence Digital Engineering
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking for a Graduate role who has an interest in making a difference and is passionate about Digitalization.

Our UK Operations Excellence Digital Engineering Programme is all about developing our leaders of the future who have a passion for Supply Chain and strive for ‘Excellence’ The programme focusses on delivering a holistic experience of Supply Chain, helping prepare Graduates for a successful career and providing the skills they need to succeed. The Digital Engineering Programme encompasses 2 x 12 months placements across area that play a key part in the success of Operations Excellence’s focuses and delivering an exceptional service to our customers.
Register your interest

Why should you apply to our graduate programmes?
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Hear what our current Graduates have to say
Millie Hogarth
"I wanted to work for DHL because it is a world-leading logistics company and I was drawn to their DEIB agenda, as I’m passionate about diversity and inclusivity, so I like that DHL drives this too.

My biggest piece of career advice is to be open to any opportunities. I didn’t know exactly what DHL did before I read into the company and now I love my role and the projects I contribute to!"
Millie HR Graduate
Jerry Beatson
“The Finance Graduate Scheme has given me the confidence to leverage my strengths and the structure to focus on my areas of development”
Jerry  Finance Graduate
Kate Walmsley
“My exposure to DHL on the graduate scheme has exceeded my expectations. I have been fully supported to experience all aspects of the business from warehouse and transport, to projects and planning management. The highlights of my placement have been working alongside our senior leadership team, engaging with colleagues, to working on projects that make a difference on site”
Kate  Future Leaders Graduate
Robert
"My favourite thing about the logistics industry is how detailed and intricate the operations are across the business and having the chance to visit lots of different sites. Since working for DHL, I have been impressed with how global the firm is and how it impacts lots of parts of everyday life."
Robert Finance Graduate
Ruvi Sinemani
“The future leaders graduate scheme has enhanced my leadership skills and helped me grow as a person. I have enjoyed working with a variety of teams and seeing how digitilisation is being implemented through working with automated guided vehicles and how DHL is invested in being pioneers today and the future”
Ruvi  Future Leaders Graduate
Fatima
"The reason I chose to work at DHL is because we are so passionate about the environment and have a brilliant sustainability agenda called GoGreen. The GoGreen agenda is not only about our vehicles and emissions, I enjoy seeing colleagues contribute to the GoGreen agenda through tree planting, litter picking and supporting local charities with recycling."
Fatima Future Leaders Graduate
Catherine
"I love that I am encouraged to study alongside working.  I will be starting my Masters next year in Computer Science with Data Analytics, alongside my role at DHL."
Catherine Digital and Technology graduate
Catherine

“My journey within DHL’s graduate programme has been truly outstanding. The exceptional support system, the warm and professional team at DHL, and the strong emphasis on continuous learning have made this experience incredibly enriching. 

The focus on both personal and professional growth has not only expanded my knowledge but is allowing me to shape my future career.  I would definitely recommend DHL’s graduate programme!" 
Brunel Digital and Technology graduate

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