European Graduate Program - Operations / Lean Manufacturing

Location: Oegstgeest, nl Department: Early Careers Programme Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Job Description

About the role

Kickstart your career with a high-impact, two-year international rotational program designed to shape future leaders in manufacturing, lean operations, and digital transformation. Your first 12-month rotation is based in Oegstgeest, Netherlands (start date: as soon as possible, but by 1st November at the latest), followed by an international assignment at one of our European production sites in Year 2.

We will empower you to quickly take on responsibilities while exploring all facets of our business. You will contribute to both daily operational management and strategic manufacturing projects. Beyond technical expertise, you will develop strong communication and leadership skills essential for driving sustainable continuous improvement and leaving a lasting mark on our sites.

In your first year, you will step into a key role as a Core Team Member for the Ignite Movement - an organizational initiative driving a growth mindset, curiosity, and continuous improvement across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Connect and align core operational streams across Training, Management, Design, and Communication.

Manage and optimize shared digital platforms and resource hubs for our growing internal community.

Partner with Movement Leads to design engaging training materials, digital tools, and interactive workshops.

Apply Lean methodologies to test, refine, and elevate day-to-day manufacturing workflows.

Explore and integrate digital tools, basic scripts, and emerging AI technologies to streamline operational processes.

Wondering what your career path will look like after completion of the program?

We are committed to your long-term career and will remain in close contact with you throughout your journey. As the end of the program approaches, we will discuss options for a permanent role, ensuring we align your talents with the needs of our organization.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Production, or General Engineering (or equivalent).

Initial practical exposure (internships, co-ops, or academic projects), ideally within an international manufacturing environment.

Full professional fluency in English.

Foundational knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Six Sigma tools.

Further skills you will need to succeed:

Digital Aptitude: Proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs). Basic coding knowledge (JavaScript, HTML, CSS for Apps Script) and an interest in AI workplace tools are strong pluses.

An autonomous, proactive approach with a passion for experimentation and problem-solving

Outstanding interpersonal and strong organizational skills, with a genuine passion for collaborating with people across different teams.

Important:

Please be aware that for the European Graduate Program - Operations / Lean Manufacturing, an unrestricted right to work in the EU is required.

To help us process your application quickly, please upload your CV in either PDF or Word format. We also kindly ask that you submit your resume in the same language as this job posting.

Additional Information

What we offer

Here's a glimpse of the great benefits you can expect:

Compensation & Benefits: Benefit from competitive compensation as well as a relocation support package.

Continuous Development: *Participate in a structured Training & Mentorship Program, which will enable you to build your skills and transition from college to the corporate workplace, leveraging strengths and defining your career path. *Invest in your growth with a €500 annual individual training budget, access to lots of internal training/mentoring programs and a budget for hardware when working from home.

Health & Financial Benefits: *We offer a gross benefit for the supplemental package of mandatory health insurance. *Access to Lyra, our confidential Employee Assistance Program, for personal and professional support. *We provide a free health check every 4 years, and free fruit on-site. *Mandatory participation to the Avery Dennison Pension Fund, employer pays ⅔ of the premium. *Holiday allowance and a year-end allowance.

Time Off & Flexibility: *Annual Leave: Starting at 24 days. *Extra Days: 13 additional days per year (+4% ATV allowance, pro-rated) and a bridge day off. We also offer flexible working hours and hybrid work options for most positions.

Commuting & On-site Perks: Take advantage of free and enclosed parking in a well-located building, or opt for a commuting allowance/100% reimbursement for public transport.

Why join Avery Dennison

We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. As a science and innovation company, we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and courage, where you can grow your career with a company that has innovation in its DNA. Founded on creating real-world impact to enable a better future, we strive to provide an open, collaborative culture where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected. Hear from our employees about what it's like working at Avery Dennison. Learn more at www.averydennison.com. At Avery Dennison, we work with the biggest brands in the FMCG, apparel, automotive, and pharma industries. Our European Headquarters in the Netherlands, founded in 1955 and since 2014 located in the Leiden Bioscience Park, is a collaborative and dynamic environment that supports all Avery Dennison businesses and employs approximately 500 talented individuals.The location serves as the central hub for European Leadership and other functions that support the wider European manufacturing and distribution network. The location features a state-of-the-art Research and Development Center.

Equal Op