Operational Excellence Intern - Summer 2027 - Manchester

Location: Manchester, UK

Join Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI) and you’ll be part of a team that leads science, innovation, and technology on different industry fronts. Working here will provide you with an exciting and motivating career full of development and growth opportunities throughout our businesses. We are a global company that prides itself on having passionate, diverse and dedicated employees who work together to achieve uncommon results.

Job Description

Cawood Scientific is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Operational Excellence Intern to support key initiatives that drive continuous improvement across our site, located in Manchester, UK. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Kaizen Fundamentals, process optimization, and team facilitation while contributing to strategic business priorities.

Summer Internship Opportunity – Operational Excellence

Duration: Summer 2027

Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI) is a global leader with a strong reputation for innovation and excellence across multiple industries. Cawood, a member of the EBI family, is the UK’s and Ireland leading scientific group, recognised for its technical capability and value-added service to customers in land-based industries. We provide specialist laboratory analysis for the agriculture, food, and environmental sectors.

Our Vision: We are a Diagnostics company that exists to protect the future of food, agriculture, and the environment—turning diagnostics into actionable insights that drive transparency, productivity, and sustainability. In doing so, we create lasting value for our customers and ourselves.

We Focus On

Agriculture Transparency and Traceability (info and knowledge)

Insights that ensure Quality & deliver Productivity for our customers

Environmental sustainability (supporting regulations and innovation)

Human health (through food and environment)

We Do This By

Developing best-in-class diagnostic solutions that drive actionability for our customers

Pairing diagnostics with innovative services that deliver value to our customers and differentiate from competition

Being a thought leader and consultative partner within the industries we serve

What You’ll Do

Participate in the planning and execution of process improvement initiatives across the business.

Contribute to Kaizen events and waste walks focused on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies.

Document and present findings, recommendations, and outcomes to improve efforts.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Help build and sustain visual management tools including Daily Boards, Standard Work, and action trackers.

Document and present findings, recommendations, and outcomes to improve efforts.

What We’re Looking For

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (Science, Engineering, or Business preferred)

Strong analytical and process-oriented mindset

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Interest or experience in Lean, Kaizen, or operational excellence methodologies

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Comfortable facilitating discussions and leading small groups

Curious, proactive, and eager to learn

Willingness to travel to other business unit sites if needed

What You’ll Gain

Practical experience in operational excellence and Kaizen methodologies

Exposure to real-world business challenges and strategic initiatives

Mentorship from experienced professionals

Opportunities to lead and contribute to impactful projects

A chance to build your professional network and enhance your career prospects

Ready to make a difference this summer?

Apply now and become part of a team that’s driving operational excellence across Cawood.

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.