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Kaufland is one of Germany’s largest retail chains, with hundreds of stores across the country and thousands of employees hired every year. If you are looking for a stable job with competitive pay, this is an excellent opportunity worth exploring.
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Whether you are a student, a career changer, or someone new to Germany, Kaufland offers positions at various levels — from entry-level store roles to corporate and logistics jobs. This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know to land a job at Kaufland in Germany.
Everything about working at Kaufland
Before applying, it is important to understand what Kaufland is as an employer, what types of jobs are available, and what salaries you can realistically expect. The sections below cover all of that in detail.
Who is Kaufland and why work there?
Kaufland is a hypermarket chain owned by the Schwarz Group, the same parent company as Lidl. Founded in 1984, it operates more than 1,500 stores across Europe, with Germany being its largest market. The company is known for offering a wide range of food and non-food products at competitive prices.
As an employer, Kaufland has built a reputation for structured career paths, strong employee benefits, and a stable working environment. The company regularly ranks among the top retail employers in Germany, making it a popular choice for both locals and international workers.
- Stable employment contracts with clear progression routes
- Opportunities for internal promotions and training programmes
- Work available in cities and smaller towns across Germany
- Welcoming to candidates with basic German language skills
- Part-time and full-time options available across all store roles
What types of jobs are available at Kaufland?
Kaufland hires across a wide range of departments. Whether you prefer working on the shop floor, in logistics, or in a corporate office, there is likely a position that suits your background and goals.
The most common job categories include store operations, fresh food departments, warehouse and logistics, human resources, IT, marketing, and management trainee programmes. Each department has its own requirements and growth potential.
| Job category | Example positions | Experience required |
|---|---|---|
| Store operations | Cashier, shelf stacker, customer service | None to minimal |
| Fresh food | Butcher, baker, deli specialist | Trade qualification preferred |
| Warehouse & logistics | Forklift operator, stock controller | Some experience helpful |
| Management | Department manager, store manager | Prior leadership experience |
| Corporate / Head office | HR, IT, marketing, finance | Degree or equivalent |
| Apprenticeships | Retail, storage logistics, IT | School-leaving certificate |
Salaries at Kaufland: what can you expect?
Salaries at Kaufland vary depending on the role, experience level, and location within Germany. As of recent data, the company pays above the national minimum wage for most positions and offers annual reviews with potential increases.
Store-level employees generally earn between €13 and €18 per hour, while department managers and corporate employees earn significantly more. Apprentices receive a training allowance that increases with each year of their programme.
| Position | Estimated monthly gross (€) | Contract type |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier / shelf stacker | €1,800 – €2,200 | Full-time / part-time |
| Fresh food specialist | €2,000 – €2,600 | Full-time |
| Warehouse operator | €2,000 – €2,500 | Full-time / shifts |
| Department manager | €2,800 – €3,800 | Full-time |
| Store manager | €4,000 – €6,000+ | Full-time |
| Corporate roles (IT, HR) | €3,500 – €5,500 | Full-time |
| Apprentice (year 1–3) | €800 – €1,100 | Training contract |
In addition to the base salary, Kaufland employees may receive benefits such as employee discounts, holiday bonuses, Christmas bonuses, and contributions to occupational pension schemes (Betriebliche Altersvorsorge), depending on the position and length of service.
Complete guide: how to apply for a job at Kaufland
Now that you have a clear picture of what Kaufland offers, it is time to look at the practical steps for applying. The process is straightforward, but following it correctly will significantly improve your chances of success.
Step 1 – Find open positions
The first place to look for Kaufland vacancies in Germany is the official Kaufland careers website. You can filter positions by location, department, and job type. This is the most reliable source, as listings are updated regularly and reflect real-time openings.
Beyond the official website, vacancies are also listed on major German job portals such as Indeed Germany, StepStone, Xing, and LinkedIn. Setting up job alerts on these platforms can help you be among the first to apply when new positions open up in your preferred region.
- Visit the official Kaufland careers page and use the location filter
- Set up alerts on Indeed, StepStone, Xing, and LinkedIn
- Check the careers page weekly, as new roles are posted frequently
- Look for both store-level and corporate openings in your area
Step 2 – Prepare your application documents
In Germany, job applications follow a specific structure that differs from other countries. Kaufland expects a professional set of documents, and submitting a complete, well-organised application will make a strong first impression.
Your application should include a cover letter (Anschreiben), a CV (Lebenslauf) in German tabular format, relevant certificates (Zeugnisse), and a recent reference letter from a previous employer if you have one. For store-level jobs, the requirements may be slightly more relaxed, but a tidy and clear CV is always expected.
- Anschreiben (cover letter): one page, tailored to the specific role and store location
- Lebenslauf (CV): chronological, with a professional photo in the top right corner
- Certificates: school leaving certificate, vocational qualifications, degree transcripts
- References: previous employer letters if available (Arbeitszeugnisse)
- Language note: for store roles, applications in German are strongly preferred; corporate roles may accept English
Step 3 – Submit your application online
Kaufland’s application process is fully digital. Once you have found a suitable vacancy on the careers portal, you will click “Apply now” and be guided through an online form. You will need to upload your documents in PDF format and fill in personal details directly on the platform.
After submitting, you will receive an automatic confirmation by email. The recruitment team typically reviews applications within one to three weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the urgency of the role.
- Create an account on the Kaufland careers portal to track your application
- Upload all documents as a single PDF or as separate clearly named files
- Double-check that all contact information is correct before submitting
- Keep your email inbox monitored for responses and interview invitations
Step 4 – The interview process
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. For store-level positions, this is usually a single face-to-face interview at the store with the store manager or department head. It is relatively informal and focused on your availability, attitude, and basic customer service skills.
For management or corporate roles, the process may involve two or more rounds, including a phone screening, a competency-based interview, and sometimes a practical task or assessment centre. Dressing professionally and researching Kaufland’s values before attending any interview is strongly recommended.
- Be punctual — arriving five minutes early shows professionalism
- Research Kaufland’s history, store structure, and current campaigns
- Prepare answers for questions about teamwork, customer handling, and reliability
- For management roles, have examples of past leadership situations ready
- Ask about working hours, training, and career progression at the end
Step 5 – Working in Germany as a foreign national
If you are an EU citizen, you have the right to work in Germany without a visa or work permit. If you are from outside the EU, you will need to obtain the appropriate work visa or residence permit before starting employment. The German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and local Ausländerbehörde offices can guide you through the process.
Language skills are an important factor. For most store-level roles, a basic to intermediate level of German (around B1) is sufficient to get started. Corporate or managerial roles typically require a higher level of fluency or even C1. English alone is generally not enough for customer-facing positions in Germany.
- EU citizens: no work permit needed, just a valid ID or passport
- Non-EU citizens: apply for a job seeker visa or skilled worker visa (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz)
- Enrol in a German language course to increase your chances significantly
- Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Einwohnermeldeamt upon arrival
Step 6 – Tips to increase your chances of being hired
Competition for jobs at Kaufland, especially in larger cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, can be strong. There are several practical steps you can take to stand out from the crowd and increase the likelihood of receiving a job offer.
Being flexible with your availability is one of the most effective ways to appeal to store managers, as retail often requires evening and weekend shifts. Tailoring your cover letter to reflect genuine interest in the specific store or department also makes a noticeable difference.
- Apply to multiple locations if you are flexible about commuting distance
- Mention any retail or customer service experience, even if informal
- Highlight reliability and punctuality — these are highly valued in German retail culture
- Follow up politely by email if you have not heard back after three weeks
- Consider applying for an apprenticeship (Ausbildung) if you are starting fresh
- Use the Kaufland careers page directly rather than relying only on third-party portals
Frequently asked questions about working at Kaufland
1. Do I need to speak German to work at Kaufland in Germany?
For most store-level positions, a basic working knowledge of German is required, as employees interact daily with German-speaking customers and colleagues. Corporate roles may sometimes accept English, but German proficiency significantly improves your chances of being hired at any level.
2. How long does the Kaufland recruitment process take?
For store-level roles, the process typically takes between two and four weeks from application to job offer. Management and corporate positions may take longer due to multiple interview rounds. You can track your application status by logging into the Kaufland careers portal.
3. Does Kaufland offer apprenticeships (Ausbildung) in Germany?
Yes. Kaufland offers a range of apprenticeship programmes in areas such as retail commerce, storage logistics, and IT. These are structured three-year training contracts that lead to a recognised German vocational qualification. Applications for apprenticeships usually open in the first half of the year for positions starting in September.
4. What employee benefits does Kaufland offer?
Kaufland employees in Germany typically receive benefits including staff discounts on purchases, holiday and Christmas bonuses, occupational pension contributions, paid training, and opportunities for internal promotion. Benefits may vary depending on the role, employment contract, and length of service with the company.
5. Can I apply for a job at Kaufland if I am not an EU citizen?
Yes, non-EU citizens can apply, but they must have a valid work permit or residence permit that allows employment in Germany. The German Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) has made it easier for qualified non-EU nationals to enter the German labour market, including in the retail sector.
