Business Development Graduate Programme

Who Are DHL Supply Chain?

Founded in 1969, DHL is the world's leading logistics company. Our 395,000 people in over 220 countries and territories work every day to help our customers cross borders, reach new markets and grow their businesses. DHL Supply Chain, part of the DHL Group, is the world's leading logistics provider and by joining DHL Supply Chain, you are joining a company that offers limitless opportunities to grow.

Who are Business Development?

DHL Supply Chain's UK Sales function plays a pivotal role in the growth and success of our business. This dedicated team is responsible for identifying and pursuing new opportunities, partnerships and strategies to drive the company forward. By continuously scanning the business landscape, they keep the company agile and adaptable in an ever-changing market. The Sales function is a catalyst for sustainable growth, making it an indispensable asset in the competitive world of business.

What To Expect When on Programme?

DHL Supply Chain's UK nationwide Sales Graduate programme is all about developing leaders for future business. The placement opportunities will allow you to experience both site-based and regional responsibility.

Our Sales function is responsible for understanding the customers' needs and building our portfolio so we can meet our goal to be the world's leading logistics provider. As companies like ours grow it is important to have a structured approach to support business development, account and sales team, providing growth and innovation to our warehouse and transport teams. 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 Kind of Work Will I Do?

The Business Development Programme sits within Sales function that is responsible for understanding the customers' needs and building our portfolio so we can meet our goal to be the world's leading logistics provider. Our goal is to create success for our customers, and this is at the heart of everything we do.

During Year 1 you will gain experience in our Customer Experience and/or Account Development teams which are the central teams within the sales function.

In Year 2 you will be placed into one of our Business Units working with the BU Business Development team supporting their growth agenda and developing dedicated accounts.

• 24-month structured programme (2 x 12-month placements)
• Placements will differ being based at site or located regionally
• Early accountability and fast progression
• Experience of working within diverse sites and environments
• Completion of the DHL Supply Chain Internal Sales Curriculum
• Regular performance feedback and personal growth planning through a structured learning plan
• Contribute to DHL's sustainability 2050 mission of zero emissions
• Give back to the community through DHL's Foundation by helping achieve the vision to end youth unemployment
• Working on high profile customer projects
• Assisting the UKI Sales strategy by growing relationships with new and existing customers
• Learn to think strategically and the importance of Customer Experience
• Support in the development of customer solutions, and learn to understand commerical contracting
• We do not require a technical background and/or qualification in IT, but you should have a desire to progress within this discipline.
• An interest in the projects and implementation of information technology solutions.
• A desire to be a People Manager and to guide teams of people through the day-to-day business.

What Skills Do I Need?

• Do not require a management or Supply Chain and Logistics degree but you should have a desire to progress within this discipline
• Be ambitious and goal driven with a desire to build a career in Business Development
• A desire to develop and a willingness to learn
• A competitive edge – someone who likes to create and be involved in competitions, loves winning and driving a team
• Positive approach to work, 'Can do' attitude, desire to learn

What Entry Requirements Do I Need?

• Fully able to relocate within the UK (graduates are required to relocate every 12 months for their placements whilst on the programme).
• Must hold a valid UK driving license or be self-reliant to travel to multiple sites when required.
• Eligibility to work in the UK by the start of your employment
• Must be fluent in English.
• No minimum degree grade and any degree subject is welcome.
• As part of the Operation Departmental ILM Manager Level 5 Qualification, you must have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 consecutive years as it is a government funded apprenticeship programme.

What's In It for Me?

Compensation

• Starting Salary: £29,000 per annum, with increases throughout the programme and inclusion in the annual bonus scheme.
• Relocation Allowance: Up to £1,000 if eligible, depending on placement location.

Benefits

• Perks: 25 days holiday, pension scheme, medical cover, childcare vouchers, retail discounts, mental health support, and private GP services.

Networks

• Inclusivity: We prioritize diversity across six key pillars: Ability, Ethnic and National origin, Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+, and Generations. Our focus is on Educating, Supporting, and Celebrating diversity.

Future Prospects

• Career Growth: Fast-track into management, contribute to our business success, and join our Alumni community post-programme for continued career development.

Working Week: 40 – 42 hours shift patterns will apply and differ depending on your placement.

Application Process

Our application process is simple – you'll complete an online application form, then take an online strengths assessment, followed by an online job simulation. Provided you meet the required criteria, you'll then be invited to a virtual programme overview session where you can learn the details about the role you've applied to! If it's still something you're excited about, you'll be invited to an Experience Day (aka Assessment Centre) where we can meet you in person.

If you decide to make an application, please make a note of the Experience Day date as we only hold one per role.

The Experience Day Date: 3rd April 2025

Please note that we receive a high number of applications for our graduate programmes and may close vacancy early if we're oversubscribed. If you're interested, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

As our Graduate Programmes are permanent positions, it is essential for candidates to have the right to work in the UK by the start of their employment.