Undergraduate Student Assistant – Global Planning Internship - Arla Foods

(Joblink are pleased to be acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of our employer partner Arla Foods)

Job opening will close 2nd March 2026. This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found.

THE EMPLOYER

Arla Foods are a large FMCG manufacturer, the second largest dairy in Europe and fifth largest in the world, cooperative owned by more than 12,500 dairy farmers. Arla combines traditional craftsmanship and world-class technologies to bring products from nature, farm to fridge.

What does the role involve?

Working as part of the Sales and Operations Planning team (S&OP), you will use your analytical skills to support plans and strategies to ensure alignment between customer demand, supply chain capabilities and financial/sales forecasts.

Area of responsibility

• Entry level professional/coordinator role providing support to the department
• Executes defined processes and procedures to achieve operational targets or service standards key to business delivery
• Tasked with continuous improvement

Key Duties

• Track and Analyse Performance Data
• Monitor weekly and monthly KPIs across sales, production, and forecasting; conduct deviation analysis; interpret sales forecasts & performance; identify trends and issues.
• Operational Coordination
• Support demand and capacity alignment by collaborating with sales, marketing, logistics, and supply chain teams; coordinate milk balancing and link it with short‑term allocation needs.
• Reporting & Presentation
• Translate data into clear graphs, reports, and PowerPoint presentations for internal stakeholders; provide regular updates and insights to relevant teams and senior leaders.
• Continuous Improvement
• Review existing processes with a critical mindset; propose and support implementation of optimisation and streamlining initiatives; suggest corrective actions based on KPI performance.
• Project & Team Support
• Assist colleagues and leaders with departmental projects; provide general administrative and coordination support to ensure smooth daily operations.

You will need

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to spot errors, inconsistencies, and data anomalies
• Data analysis capability, including interpreting datasets, generating reports, and supporting decision‑making
• Solid administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks effectively
• High proficiency in Excel and good technical aptitude; experience with SAP is an advantage
• Confident communication skills, including the ability to present analytical findings clearly to stakeholders
• Studying a business, supply chain, or related vocational course

Relevant courses

Any courses considered

This opportunity would suit Data Analytics, Supply chain Management, Business related, Mathematics or Economics students

What will you gain from this role?

• Experience in a global planning environment, including exposure to international reporting and ways of working
• Insight into how a global FMCG organisation operates, with visibility across key business areas
• Opportunities to contribute to process and system improvements within a large corporate setting
• Training on key industry systems, including SAP, IBP, HANA, and Power BI
• Personal and professional development, including networking with other interns across the organisation
• Potential progression into a graduate role following successful performance

Location / Working Pattern

Hybrid – 1 day in office required (timetable dependant) at UK Head Office in Stourton, Leeds (possible opportunity for UK and European travel).

Contract type 

Part time - 15 hours p/week

Contract Length - 2 years

Sounds good? 

To apply please send a relevant CV (ensure you have uploaded a CV to your profile on the job site)

AND answer these questions.

1. What appeals to you about this role and why you have chosen to apply?

2. What skills/experiences have you gained from your studies, voluntary or paid work that you feel will help you be successful in this role?

3. What do you feel you will gain from this role?

4. How would this role benefit your future career plans?

(Please note: No cover letter required and applications missing cv and answers will not be considered)

If you have any issue with your application, please contact joblink@luu.ac.uk

If you have not heard back within 30 days, please assume your application was not successful.