GROW Graduate Program

• Kick-off event with all program participants (graduates, mentors, etc.)
• Presentation of Corporate Values and objectives
• Introduction to the different divisions of Deutsche Post DHL (Mail, Express, Supply Chain, Global Forwarding and Freight, Global Business Services, Corporate Center)
  
• Start: Oct. 2013, Duration: 2 days

• Detailed introduction to specialization area
  
• Visit and / or assignment to an operational unit (e.g., Leipzig air hub, warehouse, letter sorting centre)
  
• Start: Oct. 2013, Duration: 3,5 weeks

• Execution of a project in the specialization area (e.g., subproject of a major strategic project)
  
• Support and direction from experienced project manager
  
• Training unit I: Basics project management
• Start: Nov. 2013, Duration: 6 months

• Exploration of various work areas and cultures
  
• For participants in the international program (i.e. international transfer phase): Transfer and project work in another country and/or another division and/or specialization area (e.g. Express, Supply Chain)
  
• For participants in the national program (i.e. transfer phase in Germany): Assignment to another division and/or specialization area
  
• Training unit II: Basics leadership & communication skills
  
• Start: May 2014, Duration: 5 months

• Second comprehensive project in area of specialization
  
• Preparation for transfer into future role/responsibility (target position)
  
• Training unit III: Process improvement methodology (First Choice)
  
• Start: Oct. 2014, Duration: 6 months

The functional area „Business Development“ and „Strategy“ comprises different topics, which are both at home in the corporate center as well as in the divisions. Those topics range from cross-divisional strategic initiatives, development and exploitation of new business areas, to strategic HR topics of Group-wide and divisional relevance.

Specific project positions in 2013

Corporate Development (INT)

• Execution of complex analysis for different questions, e.g. industry and market, competitors, portfolio, customer satisfaction
  
• Development and evaluation of options, as well as deduction of recommendations referring to those questions, incl. structured illustration and presentation of results in the context of the Group’s Strategy 2015
  
• Execution of stakeholder analysis
  
• Support of implementation, e.g. of performance relevant and cross-divisional projects, solutions for organisation development etc.
  
• This area is characterized by high top-management involvement
  
• Here, topics are generally of international and worldwide relevance
  
• Interface esp. to divisional contacts

Business Development (INT)

• Responsibility for the divisional strategy (e.g. Development & Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, Customer & Market Intelligence)
  
• Management of Group-wide programs of divisional level, e.g. GoGreen
  
• Amongst other things development of new standardized product, services and value-added services solutions
  
• This area is characterized by high top-management involvement
• Interface esp. to regional and functional contacts within the division

Strategic Workforce Management (SWM) (INT)

• Analysis of internal workforce demand and supply in the divisions
• Simulation of future workforce demand and deriving of measures with regard to recruiting, retention and talent management
• Preparation and execution of workshops, management of divisional or regional SWM projects, development of country specific solutions
• Continuous development of the SWM methodology
• Close collaboration with divisional and regional management

Requirements

If you are interested in this area, you must possess outstanding analytical and conceptual abilities proven by exceptional results from your university career. You will be a good team player, you are solution oriented, creative, and have strong communication skills. Above-average willingness and ability to work under pressure and flexibility rounds up your profile.

The funcitonal area „Corporate Function“ comprises various functions, activities and initiativs which are of Group-wide relevance. Corporate communication, politics and regulation management, corporate security, Group-wide initiative like First Choice or GoGreen (corporate sustainability) are for example part of this.

Specific project positions in 2013

Corporate Representation (INT)

• Monitoring and identification of political developments which are relevant to the Group
• Provide, interpret and consult the business areas on information in that context
• Focus areas are: public relations in Germany, postal politics, traffic, transport, security, environment, HR relevant topics, consumer protection, data protection, lawgiving, corporate governance, capital market relevant topics, tax, customs
• Sponsorings and event management

Corporate Responsibility – GoGreen (INT)

• The environmental protection program GoGreen is part of our „Living Responsibility“ strategy
• GoGreen supports cross-divisional GoGreen projects, develops and evaluates Group-wide environment protection guidelines and manages the worldwide CO₂ emissions of Deutsche Post DHL
• DPDHL is the first global logistics provider with a tangible CO₂ efficiency goal
• Support of the GoGreen Group-external representation and monitoring of relevant trends in economy and politics

First Choice (Process Management) (INT)

• First Choice is strategic initiative as well as management approach at DPDHL
• It comprises the philosophy, methods and tools for process improvement initiatives – having the objective of improving the our customers’ satisfaction through better efficiency and higher simplicity
• The First Choice methods and tools are based on Six Sigma and Lean Management
• Here, the development and application of the tools are in focus, e.g. for continuous process improvements or process excellence
• They are used in numerous initiatives or workshops, supported by specific trainings and Coachings

Corporate Real Estate (INT)

• Corporate Real Estate manages all operative real estate activities of DPDHL
• The development, implementation and monitoring of global standards are in focus
• Strategic portfolio management as well as coordination of real estate pension trust activities come additionally
• Besides that operational supply of real estate services is offered, e.g. leasing and sales, real estate development and project management or property management

Corporate Security (INT)

• Security enhances the trust our customers, business partners, employees and shareholders have in our services and products
• Corporate Security develops strategic guidelines that range from fighting fraud to protecting employees and buildings
• Developing and implementing measures to prevent crime, Corporate Security also helps protect infrastructures, processes and information.
• Continual monitoring of the security situation around the world and review of our travel security standards allow us to diminish potential risks to our employees and business. 
• Programs to increase security awareness (e.g. training courses) are also an important part of our activities

Requirements

Strategic and interlinked thinking are part of your strengths. Additionally, you possess strong Conceptual and solution oriented abilities. You are very good in communicating and convincing others. You like to take on responsibility.

In general, for the corporate representation and security positions, we are looking for graduates with relevant legal expertise (in theory and / or practice). For working in the corporate representation area, you additionally should have a strong interest in political topics, and ideally gained already experience with e.g. political organisations or federal ministries.It is important to have a theoretical and practical background in topics like asset management or real estate management ot architecture or facility management, if you would like to start in the real estate area.

As competence center Finance, this area lays the foundation for the successful management of the company – on a corporate as well as divisional level. Timely, high-quality information ensures transparency and makes a proactive contribution to the company’s success. Thanks to anticipatory thinking and action, chances and risks are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Specific project positions in 2013

Corporate Controlling / Business Controlling  (INT, NAT)

• Focus of Controlling is the financial performance of the Group as well as of all single divisions / areas of the Group
  
• Most important task: Documentation, analysis and provision of information on financial performance
  
• Additionally: Support and companionship of the yearly budget and planning process
  
• Cost efficiency is one of the key drivers of the performance of the business divisions
  
• Close to the business: Analysis of large-scale investments and support of preparing top-management decision papers
  
• Close alignment with relevant controlling departments of the divisions is of great importance and if needed also consulting in controlling topics
• Conceptual (further) development of financial products and services

Information Management (NAT)

• Responsibility for development of personnel and non-personnel costs of the division MAIL (incl. Parcel), service branches and outlets
  
• Clear focus on steering, controlling and analysies of personnel and non-personnel budgets (e.g. by preparing variance analysis or compiling forecasts)
• Furthermore, supporting the division MAIL (incl. Parcel), service branches and outlets in compiling budget plans

Requirements

If you are interested in this area, you should be able to think analytically and enjoy working with numbers in detail. You should be a self-confident individual as you will have contact to various, quite skeptical stakeholder. Additionally, you are able to handle freedom in working independently and you are having great commitment.

This area serves as the strategic partner for the divisions and supports them in the areas of personnel processes, personnel development, wage policies, labor law and personnel controlling. Herewith, our strategic bottom line “Employer of Choice” is of great importance.

Specific project positions in 2013

Personnel and Organisation Development (NAT)

• Development, implementation and evaluation of holistic personnel development measures and programs (e.g. talent programs, coachings, mentoring)
• Support of strategic projects in the area of personnel development
• Execution of leadership and management trainings and coachings, as well as accompanying team development and transformation management measures
• Identification of demand for and execution of trainings for technicians and technical engineers, as well as execution of vocational trainings for selected divisions or business areas
• Support with regard to potential diagnotics, performance evaluations and employee opinion surveys for selected divisions or business areas

HR Programs and Performance (INT)

• Development, implementation and evaluation of Group-wide HR strategy, key HR processes and HR systems
  
• Systematic steering of Group-wide, global HR projects and programs
  
• Comprehensive information and performance management for the personnel division (e.g. with the help of Group-wide and divisionally relevant HR and financial KPIs)

Business HR (INT)

• Identification and facilitation of our employees’ potential
• Establishing a work environment which supports learning, development and contributes to the business success
• Support and management of the HR strategy, methods and initiatives to support business and employees
• Execution of yearly HR processes (e.g. bonus processes, talent panels, recruiting)
• Support of cross-organisational projects (e.g. with regard to talent development initiatives)
• Design e.g. of development programs and workforce demand planning processes

Requirements

If you are interested in this area, you must possess a good manner with people and have strong communication skills. You must also be a skilful negotiator and a self-confident individual. In general, we are looking for candidates with a focus on HR management and / or pychology.

Innovations MAIL develops, designs, accounts for and supports the innovation projects for the MAIL division. Innovation potential are systematically evaluated; an open and cooperative innovation culture is been strengthened. All projects are using state-of-the-art innovation methods. Innovative ideas are strategically evaluated and implemented.

Specific project positions in 2013

Innovations MAIL (NAT)

• Support the development of innovations and innovation studies
  
• Identify customer demands and execute market analysis
• Evaluate and quantify the market potential of new offers
• Support the compilation of business cases
• Conception of marketing activities and professional    
• Business Development

Requirements

You should be a creative person with a strong interest in logistics topics; a start-up environment and working with digital media are not new to you. Besides analytical strengths, you are strong in implementation and you are confident in working independently. You like to work in team environments and are a strong communicator. Personal responsibility and commitment characterize your competencies.

This are comprises the management of all operative activities as well as leadership of the employees of our transport and logistics business in the MAIL division and its branches in Germany. A high degree of standardization of all processes as well as continuously high process quality are the basis for our business success in that area.

Specific project positions in 2013

Regional Operational Division MAIL (NAT)

• Budget planning and management (personnel and non-personnel costs)
• Leadership, employee development and performance evaluation
• Operational implementation of central requirements 
• Active leadership of 200 to 600 employees
• Optimization of production processes onsite
• Management of letter and parcel distribution, sorting of letters and parcels, road transport, quality in all production areas, resource steering (esp. employees and material expenses), communicating to all employees

Requirements

When applying for this area, you must have a strong interest in taking over leadership responsibilities. Furthermore, pragmatism, ability to work in teams, flexibility and strong commitment are very important. You love to independently make decisions, you are a “down to earth” character and have the required drive to success (without leaving the other behind). Having done an apprenticeship, e.g. in the area of logistics, can be of advantage.

This area comprises the development of products and services, marketing concepts as well as all sales activities to win and care for our customers. Here, a strong customer focus and professionalism are important.

Specific project positions in 2013

MAIL – Dialogue Markting (NAT)

• Identification of branch and sector specifis market portential in the area of dialogue marketing in Germany (e.g. market trends, competitors, potentials)
• Development and execution of communication strategies, concepts and measures, e.g. for the press or potential customers
• Support of sales activities on terms of new products, e.g. development of implementation plans, product and pricing strategies, product marketing
• Cross-branch positioning of dialogue marketing

DHL Paket - Online Services (NAT)

• Development and management of online services for business and private customers
• Integration of online services into existing e-commerce soltions of established suppliers
• Standardized presentation of relevant information on products and services to the sales force

Global Mail – Product Management Export / Direct Entry (INT)

• Development of the product and solution portfolio (e.g. letter communication, direct marketing) for the MAIL export business – based on current market and customer demands
• Cooperation with the production area and international service partners (e.g. foreign postal companies)
• Development of pricing strategies for the product and solution portfolio of the MAIL export business, whilst taking relevant environments into account
• Management of sales activities using different sales channels (e.g. outlets, online)
• Design and execution of marketing and communication strategy for the product and solution portfolio of the MAIL export business

BRIEF – Sales Management Private Customers (NAT)

• Responsibility for product and service portfolio (incl. product launches) in postal outlets
• Holistic interface planning with regard to business partners
• Development and coordination of sales and marketing measures
• Sales and activity planning
• Design, assignment and execution of sales processes and tools

DHL Paket – Customer Service and Telesales (NAT)

• Customer Service: Responsibility for strategic development of customer service portfolio for private and business customers of DHL Parcel, as well as management of all operative customer service units
• Telesales: sales responsibility for smaller business customers of DHL Parcel Germany. Entire management of all sales activities in this customer segment

Requirements

If you are interested in the Marketing & Sales area, you should have a strong customer focus. Additionally, you should be a creative person with a high degree of independency. You have remarkable analytical and conceptual skills. Very good communication and presentation skills, as well as persuation skills round up your profile.

This area covers all strategic and operational activities of our transport and logistics business in the company’s divisions MAIL and GLOBAL FORWARDING and their branches. Key elements of success in this business include a high degree of standardization and continuously high process quality.

Specific project positions in 2013

MAIL – Operations (NAT)

• Reviewing and operational implementation of central requirements are in focus of this area
  
• Optimization of production processes onsite as well as management of letter and parcel distribution, sorting of letters and parcels, road transport, quality in all production areas, resource steering, communicating to all employees
• Professional cost and quality management are very important

Global Forwarding – Air Freight (INT)

• Global Forwarding offers products and services extending from standardized logistics operations to multimodal transport solutions and highly individualized industrial projects
  
• The business model is based on the brokerage of transport services between customers and freight carriers
• Focus of this project position is the Air Freight business, more specifically the Air Freight Commercial Center (ACC)
• ACC is responsible for the support and facilitation of air freight growth and proactive cooperation with all Marketing & Sales channels
• Example projects could be the stocktake of as-is density of freight lanes for specific customers or sectors or the assessment of financial benefits and deriving of pricing strategies

Global Forwarding – Global Customer Service (INT)

• Global Forwarding offers products and services extending from standardized logistics operations to multimodal transport solutions and highly individualized industrial projects
• The business model is based on the brokerage of transport services between customers and freight carriers
• Focus of this project position is the Global Customer Service management, e.g. specifically looking after customer complaint handling, claims handling, exception management and up-selling services
• Development and deployment of processes, policies, metrics, working instructions and related trainings are also part of this area

Requirements

If you are interested in this area, you should have a strong interest in logistics topics, ideally with first experiences in a logistics area. You have strong communication skills and like to work independently. Furthermore, pragmatism, being an excellent team player, flexibility, and willingness to go the extra mile are important.

This area covers the amongst others the following functions: The creation of system concepts for internal and external clients. The development and deployment of defined system concepts as part of project execution. And follow-up support and modification of the system landscape.

Specific project positions in 2013

IT-Systems Order Management (NAT)

• IT MAIL is responsible for the IT strategy and the IT management in the MAIL division
• Part of the IT MAIL division is amongst others the IT-Systems Order Management area
• They manage and coordinate all order management related information with the objective to compile and provide a comprehensive view on all relevant information of the MAIL division
• That includes the optimization of order-to-cash processes, the optimization and further development of the order-to-cash system landscape as well as the digital interlinkage of customers with the MAIL division

IT Services – Professional Services (INT)

• IT Services is the internal Business Technology Partner for the Group’s divisions
• That includes the amongst others the Professional Services area, which represents the interface between the IT Services’ portfolio and the divisions
• Professional Services is responsible for, e.g. marketing and sales of the entire IT product and service portfolio, consolidating customer specific demands, management of customer proposals, management of stakeholder relationships, developing long-term business partnerships and business development

IT Demand – Business Partner Management (INT)

• Management of relationships to relevant business partners in the Group
• In focus are the optimization of the value proposition and efficiency of investments in the information management area
• Therewith, Business Partner Management is responsible for opportunity and risk management, management of relevant programs and IT investments
• That includes, e.g. the development and prioritization of measures to improve the business partner satisfaction, implementing of selected initiatives or enhancement of the Business IT operating model

Requirements

The Project Management IT area is known for its particularly innovative thinking and its customer-focused approach that is carried out under consideration of the optimal use of resources. If you are interested in this area, you should be able to think in a process-oriented and analytical way and should have broad IT knowledge. Strong communication skills and ability to empathize round up your profile.

Personal data
Name:                         Katrin Westermann
Studies:                      European Business Programme (EBP)
                                     Master in European Studies
Current Position:      Procurement Europe, Category Services

My GROW-Program
I found the selection process very professional, transparent and fast. We started the GROW Program with a joint kick-off event and one week training. Afterwards I spent three weeks in the International Mail Center in Frankfurt getting to know the operational work on shop floor level. This was a great time to get to know each other, learn about the company and be prepared for my first project.

Reasons for my decision
Deutsche Post DHL is an international, multicultural company, with a great variety of attractive jobs. The program offers me an insight into different functional areas and the company’s divisions. For me it is very important that each graduate has his own mentor. These are important to develop not only professional skills, but as well regarding personal matters.

My career within the group
I started the program in Brussels, which is a truly international environment. After this first stage I will transfer to an another division and functional area in an other country for 6 month. This interdisciplinary and international approach will give me good knowledge about the company. It is difficult to say now already where I see myself after the program. I hope to work in an international environment, maybe in one of the regional category teams in Procurement.

Personal data
Name:                        Jan-Dirk Rauf
Studies:                     Law (second state examination), Mediation
Current Position:     Human Resources, Code of Conduct

My GROW-Program
For me the GROW-Program is a very international experience. My first project is the group wide implementation of the Code of Conduct. As it is a global project, I am working in a team with many nationalities: my colleagues are Italian, Spanish, Philippine and Portuguese.

Reasons for my decision
Deutsche Post DHL is an amazing mixture between global player and “down-to-earth business”: in Germany the image of Deutsche Post DHL is shaped by the local mailman with whom you can have a short chat every day. On the other hand Deutsche Post DHL has made a rapid development from federal admin into the largest logistics provider in the world. Both faces of Deutsche Post DHL are of value and both will secure its future prosperity.

My career within the group
As I am currently enjoying only the initial phase it is too early to say in which of the companies diverse functional areas I would like to work long term. But I feel very comfortable within Deutsche Post DHL and especially within the Corporate Culture Team – so the GROW Program has already provided one field of work where I can certainly imagine a rewarding future.

Personal data
Name:                        Nadia Susanova
Studies:                     Business Administration (MBA)
                                    European School of Business, Reutlingen
Current Position:     Program Manager Automotive
                                    DHL Global Customer Solutions EMEA

My GROW-Program
The selection process (Assessment Center) serves as a good preparation for a turbulent Business Development environment, proving your ability to cope with stress, to convince other people and “to sell”. During the home track of the GROW-program I was involved into customer acquisition projects in Sales/Business Development. The exchange track of GROW gave me a deep insight into another functional area and division of Deutsche Post DHL and provided a better overall understanding of the logistics world. 

Reasons for my decision
My reasons to choose Deutsche Post DHL are great opportunities for a personal and career development within the dynamic world of a global player, combined with my high interest in the rapidly growing logistics industry.

My career within the group
After my GROW program I worked about two years in Sales / Business Development at DHL Supply Chain in Hamburg, Germany. Starting from October 2009 I made up my mind to pursue a more international career within the Group and switched to the global Team of DHL Global Customer Solutions, based in Brussels, Belgium.

Personal data
Name:                        Therese Nilsson
Studies:                      Master of Science Mechanical Engineering,
                                     Lund University, Sweden
Current Position:      Senior Business Analyst,     
                                     Operations Planning & Development,     
                                     DHL Express Europe, Brussels

My GROW-Program
Coming to a new company it was nice to be part of the GROW community, where we could support each other. The kick off workshop and initial training was a great opportunity to meet a lot of nice colleagues and it was easy to network. Through the variety of projects within the program I have gained great knowledge about the business as well as a wider view and understanding of the company. The different trainings during the program prepared me excellent for my professional life.

Reasons for my decision
Since Deutsche Post DHL is a large international company there are endless career possibilities. It is easy to switch positions and move to other countries.

My career within the group
From June 2006 to November 2007 I worked as GROW participant in four different positions: Operations Programs Europe and Pick-up & Delivery (both in Brussels), Travel and Entertainment category in Corporate Procurement in Bonn and Operations Planning & Development in Brussels again. Since December 2007 I have been working as Senior Business Analyst at Operations Planning & Development, DHL Express Europe in Brussels.

Personal Data
Name:                         Holger Schattke
Studies:                      European Studies of Business & Management     
                                     (Bielefeld / Rotterdam)
Current Position:      Leader Project Unit     
                                     Digitalization Incoming Mail

My GROW-Program
My intention to participate in the graduate program of Deutsche Post DHL was to get to know the traditional as well as the new businesses of Deutsche Post. During this time I got to know the Finance area, where I did partner management for retail outlets. I worked as Key Account Manager at eCommerce Services and as Product Manager at ePost Portal.

Reasons for my decision
Deutsche Post DHL is an international company in a fast moving environment. I chose the graduate program, as it offers a career entry with various opportunities. Its training is tailored toward individual needs. After the program you are qualified for a wide range of possible roles, due to experience gained in operational leadership or developing special expertise.

My career within the group
In 1999 I started as a graduate at Deutsche Post AG. My next roles were: Product Manager ePost Portal (free email service of Deutsche Post) from 2000 to 2001, Product Manager Dokumentenservice Online (electronic bill presentment & payment services) from 2002 to 2005 and Team Leader Project Management Outsourcing Services from 2006 to 2007. Since October 2007 I have been working as Leader Project Unit Digitalization Incoming Mail.

Personal data
Name:                        Guillaume Rolland
Studies:                     - APICS certification in Supply Chain Management
                                    - Master degree in Logistics
                                    - Mechanical Engineering background
Current Position:     Standardization Project Coordinator
                                    DHL Express Europe –
                                    Operations Pick-Up and Delivery

My GROW-Program
The Assessment Center at the end of the selection process was a great and challenging experience: you get a good evaluation on which areas you can develop yourself further. The transfer phase is a great opportunity to adapt to a different way of interacting professionally with people. During the program you meet many people of different nationalities. The European Coordination Center in Brussels for example is a very international place: there are people from about ten different countries only in my functional area.

Reasons for my decision
My reasons to choose Deutsche Post DHL as an employer were its market position, the international spirit within the company and its internal career opportunities. For me the potential of the brand DHL and its impact on the customers was also an exciting aspect.

My career within the group
From June to December 2006 I worked at DHL Express Europe in Brussels, Operations Planning and Development, as a Project Analyst. This was followed by my second project as Business Analyst in Marketing and Sales at DHL Global Forwarding Germany. Since June 2007 I am back in Brussels again, working as Project Coordinator at Operations Pick-Up and Delivery.

The application period will start in January.

To successfully apply to our graduate program, first of all you will have to decide about participating in the national or international program and to follow one of the links to our standard application form:

• National graduate program
• International graduate program

Please have your university transcripts as well as letters of recommendation from any internships, professional positions that you have had, and your CV in table form ready to be uploaded. We recommend pdf as the preferred file format.

After we receive your application, it will be automatically placed in our applicant database. You will receive an e-mail confirming the arrival of the application.

After your online form is reviewed, we will invite you to an online assessment from end of January on. To facilitate this assessment, you will receive an e-mail containing a code that will identify you and enable us to make an individual evaluation about your performance.

You should expect the test to take about 90 minutes.

Middle of February till end of April, you will be invited to a telephone interview.

Based on the results of the online CV and online assessment a second selection will be conducted. We will invite successful applicants to a telephone interview that will be conducted by our recruiting experts.

The interview will last about 45-60 minutes.

Our assessment centers will be held in May and June.

After having successfully completed the telephone interview, and after the functional responsibles having screened your documents, we will invite you to an assessment center. Applicants and potential mentors have the chance to get to know each other personally. By analyzing your strengths and your potential, we would like to assess your qualification for our graduate program correctly.

We will make our decisions at the end of the assessment center in May respectively June.

Applicants who successfully complete all steps of the selection process will receive a job offer at the end of the assessment center during an individual talk.

After signing the contract, we will warmly welcome you as a member of our graduate program at the beginning of October.