Graduate Program - Operations / Manufacturing

Location: Turnhout, Vlaanderen, be Department: Early Careers Programme Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Job Description

About the role

As part of this two-year rotational program, you will undertake two exciting 12-month assignments across different areas of Operations and Production. You will join our team in Turnhout, Belgium for your first rotation before taking the opportunity to embark on an international assignment at one of our other production sites in Europe during your second year.

During your first 12 months in this graduate program, you will gain hands-on experience by supporting two key operational projects: packaging standardization and changeover optimization for our slitting machines. Working alongside experienced colleagues and project leads, you will connect with teams across departments, learn and apply practical Lean tools to collect and check data, and explore how AI tools can enable automation.

We will empower you to quickly take on responsibilities while exploring all facets of our business. You will contribute both to daily operational management and to 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.

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

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

Qualifications

Required

University degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in a relevant engineering discipline (mechanical, chemical, electrical, energy, industrial, production, safety, or equivalent).

Initial practical experience (such as internships, student work, or academic projects), ideally within an international manufacturing setting.

Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Skills you need to succeed

Deep Curiosity: A strong desire to get under the hood, understand how processes work, and trace data back to its source.

Autonomous Mindset: The initiative to take personal ownership of tasks, paired with the openness to learn and take guidance from experienced mentors.

Analytical & AI Literacy: Strong analytical problem-solving capabilities and high comfort leveraging AI tools to assist everyday workflows, combined with a proactive approach to reaching out across departments to collect and cross-check information.

Exceptional Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and genuine enthusiasm for building positive, collaborative relationships across diverse plant teams.

Important

Please be aware that for the Graduate Program - Operations / 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

Comprehensive Financial & Health Security: *Benefit from competitive compensation, a relocation support package as well as a fully employer-funded group insurance and Hospitalization insurance. *Benefit from Meal Vouchers (€10) and a Year-End Bonus. *We also offer a Solidarity Fund to support colleagues and families in times of loss.

Time Off & Flexibility: *Benefits include 20 days of paid annual leave, 10 public holidays, and 18 additional days of reduced hours. *We offer flexible working hours (start between 7:00–9:00 AM, end between 3:30–6:00 PM).

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. *Develop your career through a Personal Development Plan, creating and maintaining your own talent profile, and access to specialized training programs, one-on-one coaching, and Dutch language courses to support your growth within our organization.

On-site & Community Perks: *Take advantage of free parking, EV chargers, a company restaurant, free coffee/tea, and "My Avery Dennison Benefits" for online shopping discounts. *We offer an Employee Assistance Program and host social activities.

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. Our site in Turnhout, founded in 1978, is a collaborative and dynamic environment that supports other Avery Dennison divisions and employs approximately 320 talented individuals. It plays a key role in producing advanced adhesive solutions that address engineering, design, and sustainability challenges. These performance tapes are designed for functionality, productivity, and integration, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing waste. Serving industries like automotive, building and construction, medical, and personal care, the business drives innovation and promotes sustainable practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without rega