When we shop at Lidl, we rarely think about how the goods get to the store shelves. The truth is that behind each item stands a huge team, precise organization and a lot of dynamics.
The logistics center in Ravno Pole has been working non-stop for 15 years, and the scale today is impressive - servicing 84 stores and processing thousands of pallets daily.
We meet with the warehouse manager Georgi Chichikov to talk honestly about working in the warehouse: what is required to become part of the team, how the salary is formed and why the “attitude“ is more important than experience.
Mr. Chichikov, you have been here from the very beginning. How would you describe working in a warehouse to someone who has never set foot in a logistics base?
As “organized dynamics“. The work is physically active and intense, especially during peak periods, but it is also extremely structured. When we started, we served 14 stores, and today from Ravno Pole we supply 84. This means that there is no boredom here. For people looking for work with us, the most important message is security. In such a busy environment, it is crucial for employees to know that their efforts are rewarded fairly - that their salary comes on time, that their insurance is paid in full, and that the rules apply to everyone. This is what keeps people with us - we have colleagues with over 10 years of experience because they find predictability and fairness.
We often talk about "a good team", but what does this mean in practice during a heavy shift?
It means that you are not alone. Our principle is "one for all, all for one". Working in the warehouse is a team game. There are times when one unit is busier than another - then colleagues regroup and help each other. Of course, we have modern technologies and digitalized processes, but at the end of the day, everything comes down to people. If someone needs help or training, they get it. We don't expect a new employee to know everything from day one. We invest time in training them and making them feel confident.
Are you currently looking for new people and is experience in logistics mandatory?
Yes, we are constantly looking for new people because the business is growing. We are looking for people in our four main areas:
Goods Receiving
Commissioning (preparation of orders for the stores)
Delivery Coordinator
Recycling
For most positions, experience is NOT mandatory. The attitude is more important – we are looking for people who are responsible, want to work and learn. The exception is the positions for forklift drivers/motorcycle drivers – there experience is mandatory, because you work with heavy equipment at height and safety is uncompromising. But for all other roles: if you are willing and physically strong, we will teach you everything else.
What does an employee get in return – beyond a fixed salary?
Our system is designed so that activity is rewarded. In addition to the basic salary, which grows over time, employees receive:
Monthly performance bonuses for commission agents: The better you do, the higher the bonus. On average, people receive an additional 200 to 230 euros per month, and the best ones reach up to 700 euros above their salary.
Attendance bonus: If you are regular and have no absences, you receive an additional bonus every two months (approx. 125 euros).
Food vouchers: up to 200 leva.
Additional pay for weekend work
To this we add the social package: additional health insurance, free company transport to the base, Multisport card at a preferential price, bonuses for public holidays and even gifts for employees' children (ucha.se subscription, a set of school materials for children up to 8th grade for September 15, “Newborn“ package), an additional day of leave for birthdays day.
What would you say to someone who is hesitating whether to apply?
That they will find honest relations here. There is a lot of work, we do not hide it, but it is provided with good conditions. Anyone who wants to see the opportunities can view the open positions for our base in Ravno Pole (near Sofia) or in Kabile (near Yambol) on jobs.lidl.bg. Satisfaction comes when you see that you have coped with the task, and at the end of the month your work is appreciated.