Former Greenhead College Student Turns Early Enterprise into Retail Leadership Success

08 January 2026

A former Greenhead College student who once bought and sold goods on eBay at the age of 11 is now leading teams across four Aldi supermarkets in North Lincolnshire.

Max Gill, who studied Economics and Business at Greenhead before going on to Newcastle University Business School, says his passion for enterprise began at home. His mother built a business from scratch, and his grandfather, who was awarded an OBE for services to business and charity in South Yorkshire, provided a powerful example of resilience and community impact.

“Seeing what one individual could achieve was hugely motivating,” he said.

From College Classroom to Global Competition

During his first year at Greenhead, Max was selected for the PolyU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Global Student Challenge. Alongside two fellow students, he designed an AI-powered electronic memory aid for people with dementia.

“It was my first experience applying theory to a realistic business scenario,” he explained. “It sparked a real excitement for developing ideas from concept to execution.”

In his second year, Max became a Business Studies Mentor, supporting other students one-to-one. The experience honed the coaching and communication skills he now uses daily as an Area Manager.

Career Takes Shape During Crisis

After leaving Greenhead, Max completed a ‘sandwich’ degree that included a year-long placement with Aldi UK — a role that intensified as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

With retail under enormous pressure, he took on the role of acting Store Manager, leading a team of 30 and managing key performance targets amid panic buying and supply chain challenges. As the 2021 HGV driver shortage gripped the UK, he was tasked with prioritising deliveries and adjusting more than £1 million in orders each day.

“These experiences taught me to make decisions quickly and confidently with imperfect information,” he said. “They strengthened my resilience more than anything else.”

Following a successful placement, Max was offered a place on Aldi’s graduate Area Manager Scheme. Before starting, he spent a year travelling, working and volunteering across Australia and Asia, including teaching English in Cambodia and working in tech sales in Sydney.

Leadership Across Four Stores

Today, Max oversees four supermarkets and more than 100 staff. He credits early responsibility for shaping his leadership approach.

“Being trusted with real responsibility in demanding, fast-paced environments showed me I was capable of operating at that level,” he said. “Those experiences built my confidence.”

He says adaptability has become the defining feature of modern business.

“Consumer habits are changing rapidly. Whether it’s convenience, sustainability or shifts in online shopping, organisations that fail to adapt get left behind,” he said. “Tech, data and AI are now at the core of decision-making.”

Giving Back Through Business

Outside of retail, Max has made a measurable impact through consultancy work. During his final year at university, he led a team supporting a social enterprise developing sustainable corporate awards. The project created a strategic roadmap that helped refine the organisation’s market approach.

“It was rewarding to see how theory could support a business with a meaningful social mission,” he said.

Max later graduated top of his year, receiving the Newcastle University Business School Prize for Highest Academic Merit.

Advice for the Next Generation

Reflecting on his journey, Max encourages current Economics and Business students to push themselves early.

“My biggest advice is to step outside your comfort zone as often as you can,” he said. “The experiences that develop you the most are usually the ones that feel quite intimidating.”

He added that students should reach out to professionals for insight and support.

“Most people are more than willing to help if you ask,” he said.

From a teenage entrepreneur selling products online to a senior role at one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarkets, Max Gill’s story reflects the value of drive, community, inspiration, and saying “yes” to ambitious opportunities.