Graduate Engineering Trainee(Supply Chain)

Join AkzoNobel and shape the future of sustainable supply chains

At AkzoNobel, we are passionate about creating a future where innovative solutions and talented people come together to make a difference. As a global leader in paints and coatings, we are committed to delivering sustainable solutions while developing the next generation of leaders.

We are seeking a Graduate Engineering Trainee – Supply Chain to join our Graduate Program and build a rewarding career in supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience across key supply chain functions, work on real business challenges, and develop the skills required to become a future supply chain professional at AkzoNobel.

About the Graduate Engineering Program

Our Graduate Engineering Trainee Program is designed to accelerate your professional growth through structured learning, mentoring, coaching, and exposure to our operations.

Throughout the program, you will gain experience across multiple supply chain disciplines, including:

• Supply planning and demand management
• Inventory optimisation and working capital improvement
• Production and supply coordination
• Logistics and procurement collaboration
• Supply chain excellence and continuous improvement initiatives

Working alongside experienced leaders and cross-functional teams, you will develop strong operational, analytical, and leadership capabilities while contributing to initiatives that improve customer service, efficiency, and business performance.

Your Role

As a Graduate Engineering Trainee – Supply Chain, your primary focus will be supporting supply planning and demand management activities while gaining broader exposure across the end-to-end supply chain.

Key responsibilities include:

Supply Planning & Demand Management

• Support the end-to-end supply planning process to balance customer demand, production capacity, and inventory requirements.
• Assist with developing supply plans aligned with business objectives and operational constraints.
• Analyse demand forecasts, historical trends, and market information to improve forecast accuracy.
• Collaborate with Sales, Commercial, Manufacturing, and Finance teams through S&OP / IBP processes.
• Monitor key supply chain performance indicators, including service levels, forecast accuracy, and plan adherence.
• Support scenario planning and identify opportunities to manage supply risks and demand variability.

Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation

• Analyse inventory levels across plants, warehouses, and customer networks to support optimal stock management.
• Assist with safety stock optimisation and initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Identify opportunities to improve working capital while maintaining customer service excellence.
• Support inventory health reporting and continuous improvement activities.

Production & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing teams to align supply plans with production capacity.
• Support production scheduling, supply issue resolution, and mitigation of supply risks.
• Collaborate with Procurement teams to ensure material availability and support business continuity.
• Build strong relationships across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Commercial, and Customer Service teams.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse supply chain data to identify improvement opportunities and support decision-making.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track supply chain performance.
• Support ERP systems, data accuracy initiatives, and digitalisation projects.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving approaches.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and curious graduate who is passionate about supply chain, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

You will bring:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree completed within the last two years in one of the following disciplines:
• Supply Chain Management
• Industrial Engineering
• Logistics
• Operations Management
• Business (Supply Chain focus)
• Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or related disciplines)

Experience & Technical Skills

• Recent graduate or up to two years of professional experience.
• Internship or exposure to supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, or operations environments is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Understanding of supply chain principles, including planning, inventory, logistics, and procurement.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP experience preferred) and strong Excel capability.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated leadership potential through academic, project, or extracurricular experiences.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• High learning agility, adaptability, and willingness to take on new challenges.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver results.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset, and passion for continuous improvement.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and compliance.

What We Offer

At AkzoNobel, we value our people and invest in their development. As part of our Graduate Program, you will receive:

• Structured development and learning opportunities.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced professionals.
• Exposure to diverse supply chain functions and business operations.

Ready to Start Your Career Journey?

If you are a motivated graduate looking to make an impact, solve real business challenges, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and join AkzoNobel’s Graduate Engineering Trainee Program.