Ireland's 100

Aldi People

We are always looking for the most talented individuals. But what's crucial is that you are also a team player. Someone with excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate those around you.

From day one we'll teach you how to lead from the front. But at every turn you'll find a support network behind you, driving you to succeed. Can you confidently describe yourself as can-do? Then you might become another Aldi success story like the ones below:

Operations Director: Colin Breslin

My name is Colin Breslin and I graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Economics and Sociology.

My Aldi career to date

I joined Aldi as an Area Manager in October 2003. The initial six months were spent training in store, which was probably the most challenging time in my career to date. I then spent the next six months shadowing experienced Area Managers. About a year into the programme I took responsibility for four Aldi stores. Then, two years later, I was promoted to Operations Director.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

You’re faced with decision-making in a multi-million Euro business on a daily basis and for a young, new Area Manager that can be quite daunting. Aldi is a company where you’re always in the spotlight, so if you’re not prepared to work hard and put the effort in, then it’s not the company for you.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

It’s really fast- paced – you never watch the clock at Aldi, the time just flies by. Secondly, there’s an outstanding salary and benefits package on offer and the icing on the cake is the huge degree of responsibility you get from day one. You get back what you put in and it’s a great company to work for.

My proudest moment?

My proudest moment was being promoted to the Operations Manager role at such a young age. That aside, there are proud moments for me on a weekly and monthly basis when I get to promote people into ranks of responsibility – it always gives you a warm feeling.

Area Manager: Marina Lavelle

I’m Marina Lavelle and I graduated form the University of North London with a degree in Polymer Science and Engineering.

My Aldi career to date

I joined Aldi as a trainee Area Manager and within three to four months I was up and running a store on my own. After training for a year I felt ready to take my own area, two stores and now I’m currently running 3 stores.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

The twelve-month intensive training process is quite demanding. In only three months you’re running a store entirely on your own. You have to learn the technical aspects involved with this and physically it’s also demanding as you’re doing work you’ve never done before. People management, time management and the ability to prioritise tasks are all really important skills that you’ll need.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

The environment is dynamic, diverse and very stimulating. If you like working with people and enjoy a challenge, then Aldi offers the opportunity to really succeed and achieve personal fulfilment.

My proudest moment

It was watching someone I had hired and mentored as a Store Assistant, grow and develop in the business to become a manager.

Area Manager: Finbar McCarthy

My name’s Finbar McCarthy and I graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in Business Studies.

My Aldi career to date

In my first six months I worked in store in gaining experience of all positions, which helped me to appreciate the challenges associated with each role. Currently I’m responsible for two stores and am in the process of opening a third. I’m also responsible for the security in all Aldi stores across Ireland.

What challenges face potential Area Manager recruits?

I know it sounds clichéd but everyday there’s a different challenge, something that you haven’t planned for and have to work around. You have to learn how to balance and prioritise tasks and responsibilities. An Area Manager can achieve more in a day than most people would in a week.

Why would I recommend Aldi to others?

The level of responsibility you’re offered by Aldi is unparalleled by any other organisation and that’s why it requires a great deal of dedication. Anyone who applies themselves in terms of effort and commitment will reap the rewards and you’ll get all the support you need during your training.

My proudest moment

I had the opportunity to open the two stores that I’m responsible for and it was a great project to be involved in. To see the customers coming through the doors on the opening morning was fantastic and then to see them coming back on a weekly basis is very, very satisfying..