HR Specialist Graduate Programme

DHL Supply Chain’s HR graduate programme develops people management skills through rotations in employee services, operational HR, recruitment, reward and organisational change.

Who are DHL Supply Chain?

We're the people behind some of the world's biggest brands, keeping products moving, businesses growing and customers happy. As part of DHL Group, the world's leading logistics company, we combine innovation, technology and brilliant people to deliver solutions that make a real impact. Join us and you'll discover opportunities to learn, grow and build a career without limits.

What is the programme?

The programme is structured around rotational placements including our People Services team, Operational HR, Resourcing and Compensation and Benefits. You'll finish the programme with broad visibility and understanding of the DHL Supply Chain people and operating model.

While you'll specialise in HR, you'll spend time understanding our operations firsthand, working closely with colleagues across warehouse, transport and customer environments to help deliver solutions that support the day-to-day running of the operation.

What will I be doing?

Year 1: Building HR Foundations

• Complete rotational placements across People Services and Centres of Excellence teams.

• Support key employee lifecycle activities, including onboarding, contracts, employee data management and policy administration.

• Gain exposure to specialist HR areas such as Learning & Development, Reward and Employee Relations.

• Develop a strong understanding of HR processes, systems and service delivery.

• Deliver an improvement project focused on enhancing efficiency, quality or colleague experience within People Services.

Year 2: Applying HR in the Business

• Take on a placement within Operational HR, supporting managers and colleagues in a live business environment.

• Apply HR policies and frameworks to real business challenges and people matters.

• Build stakeholder management skills by partnering with operational leaders and teams.

• Contribute to workforce planning, employee engagement and people-focused initiatives.

• Lead a business-linked HR project, presenting recommendations and insights to HR and operational leadership.

Year 3: Specialising and Taking Ownership

• Complete an advanced placement aligned to your career interests and future HR pathway.

• Support strategic HR initiatives, organisational change activity and business improvement projects.

• Take greater ownership of HR activity, demonstrating sound judgement and commercial awareness.

• Deepen expertise in a chosen HR specialism while maintaining broad HR knowledge.

• Deliver a strategic project that creates measurable business impact and prepares you for a permanent HR role.

What skills do I need?

We're not expecting you to have everything figured out from day one. We're looking for people with the potential to grow and develop throughout the programme.

• Strong communication skills – You can confidently communicate with a wide range of people, adapting your approach and building trust through clear written and verbal communication.

• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills – You enjoy working with others, developing positive relationships and collaborating effectively across teams and levels of the business.

• Emotional intelligence and empathy – You can understand different perspectives, support colleagues sensitively and approach people matters with professionalism and care.

• Handling sensitive information– You are trustworthy and able to manage confidential data with discretion, accuracy and integrity.

• Problem solving – You enjoy identifying challenges, exploring solutions and making practical recommendations that support both colleagues and the business.

• Analytical thinking – You can interpret information, spot trends and use data-driven insights to help inform decisions and improve outcomes.

• Resilience and adaptability – You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, embracing change and responding positively to new challenges.

• Collaborative working– You work well as part of a team, sharing ideas, supporting others and contributing to shared goals.

What are the entry requirements?

• Achieved, or be on track to achieve, a 2:1 degree or above.

• Willing and able to relocate within commuting distance of your placement.

• Hold a full UK driving license or be able to travel independently to multiple sites when required.

• Have a genuine interest in supply chain, logistics and finance operations.

• Candidates must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.

We're particularly interested in graduates from disciplines such as:

• Human Resource Management

• Human Resources and Business Management

• Organisational Psychology

• Occupational Psychology

• Sociology

• Social Sciences

• Law

• Business Management (with HR-related modules)

What's in it for me?

• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays

• Bonus eligible (April each year)

• Eligible for £500 joining payment to help support relocation and settling into your new location, plus eligibility for a further relocation allowance of up to £500 in your second year, subject to terms and conditions

• Eligible for a pay increase 6 months after joining, through our annual salary review process, paid in April each year

• Eligible for our Holiday Purchase scheme

• Generous pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution

• Free 24/7 confidential GP service

• Hundreds of retail, leisure and lifestyle discounts

• Financial wellbeing support, including savings schemes, affordable loans and free mortgage advice

• Mental health and wellbeing support

• The opportunity to join employee networks: Ability, Ethnic and National origin, Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+, and Generations

• Exposure to senior leaders and a strong network of graduates and early career professionals

• Structured development opportunities, including internal development programmes