Graduate Programmes UK

We are a people business and invest heavily in our talent, in particular by bringing in Graduates into all of our Business. DHL Supply Chain provides warehousing, managed transport, and value-added services at every link in the supply chain for customers in a variety of industries.
We have multiple graduate programmes across those industries.
Our Graduates are empowered to take initiative, actively get involved in different teams and achieve high impact results that really make a difference to our business, customers and the environment. A diverse range of career and development opportunities will help ensure you achieve your career and personal goals.

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, Retail, Consumer & Convenience and Healthcare & Logistics Solutions, 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Functional Graduate Programmes

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

Project Management Programme

Our UK nationwide 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 Project Management qualifications- APM, PMQ

HR Programme

Our UK nationwide 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

Finance Programme

Our UK National wide 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

Digital & Technology Programme

Our UK nationwide Digital & Technology Programme is all about developing Tech Leaders  of the future.

What to expect from the programme:

24 -month structured Programme (2 x 12-month placements).
Placements will differ being based at site or central IT team.
Support towards a MSc Digital & Technology Specialist Masters qualification.

Sales Programme

DHL's UK nationwide Sales 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

Marketing Programme

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

Operations Excellence Assurance Programme

New for 2024, 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 Nationwide 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.

Operations Excellence Digital Engineering Programme

New for 2024, 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 Nationwide 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.

Why should you apply to DHL Supply Chain’s Next Generation Talent Programmes?

Hear what our Current and Alumni Graduates have to say

“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 Walmsley

Future Leader Graduate

“The Finance Graduate Scheme has given me the confidence to leverage my strengths and the structure to focus on my areas of development”

Jerry Beatson

Finance Graduate

“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”

Ruva Sinemani

Future Leader Graduate

“My journey within DHL’s graduate program 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’m truly grateful for the opportunity and would definitely recommend DHL’S graduate program to any prospective graduates.”

Brunel Tchokonte

First year Digital and Technology IT Graduate