Key Skills

Job Description

Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to make a real impact? We are looking for an operational sustainability champion to join our team in Zaandam and help drive our environmental and waste mitigation agenda. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead on a new business journey, support cross-department initiatives and contribute to the implementation of Happy People Happy Planet, our freshly baked sustainability strategy! Your main responsibilities Coordination: Assist in organising and supporting Ecoteam and social team activities in Zaandam, brainstorm and ensure smooth execution of local sustainability initiatives. Recycling & Waste Mitigation: Help implement, monitor and document recycling and waste reduction initiatives. Policy & Subsidy Research: Conduct research on relevant environmental policies, European regulations, and subsidies to support our sustainability goals. Data & Reporting: Collect and analyse data related to utilities, sustainability certifications and carbon. Communications: Create engagement materials and help spread key messages across various functions. Compile insights and case studies to share across regions. Project Support: Assist with administrative tasks, documentation, and coordination for projects. What will your days look like? Your days will be varied and hands-on. You'll start by checking that Fairtrade ingredients are correctly labelled in our internal systems, then move on to collaborating with the Commercialisation team to problem-solve around regulations and ensure trial products are distributed smoothly. You'll also explore creative ways to repurpose excess packaging materials, while keeping in mind the financial and image considerations. Each task welcomes a creative approach and contributes to the bigger picture, and you'll be expected to stay consistent in your efforts while documenting progress along the way. What do you bring? A proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in sustainability, environmental impact and food supply chains. Strong problem-solving, research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations. Able to work autonomously and organise your time to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Currently studying or in the final phase of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Policy, or a related field. Comfortable building new working relationships and networks with various functions within a business. Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. A professional approach to work, determination to take ownership of responsibilities and maintain momentum over longer-term projects. Experience with agriculture, supply chains and NGOs is well seen. You’re available for six months starting mid-January, five days a week with the ability to commute to Zaandam three days a week. What we offer Hands-on experience in sustainability projects within a leading FMCG organisation. Mentorship throughout role and opportunity to learn about sustainability in food supply chains from the ground up. Opportunity to shape and contribute to meaningful initiatives that reduce environmental impact and positively affect communities. Develop strong, transferable project management skills while owning real projects. Exposure to cross-functional colleagues, possibilities to build your network internally and externally. A supportive team environment and endless snacking. We offer you a unique opportunity to work at a large international FMCG company with well-known Dutch brands. Within this position you have many responsibilities and a wide range of tasks in which you can express all your qualities. You become part of a small and mighty global team and are in close contact with other departments, both commercial and factory. The internship compensation is € 475,- a month, based on a fulltime workweek. Finally, as an employee of Verkade, you will of course receive free cookies!

Core Responsibilities

Coordinate local sustainability activities and support recycling, waste reduction, policy research, data analysis, reporting, and communications. Assist with project administration and cross-functional initiatives, including sustainability strategy implementation and food supply chain-related tasks.

Requirements

Applicants should be studying or nearing completion of a bachelor's or master's degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Policy, or a related field, and have a strong interest in sustainability and food supply chains. They should be proactive, detail-oriented, analytical, able to manage multiple tasks independently, and effective at collaborating across functions; agriculture, supply chain, or NGO experience is valued.

Benefits

• Hands-On Sustainability Project Experience
• Mentorship
• Project Management Skills Development
• Internal and External Networking Opportunities
• Supportive Team Environment
• Free Snacks
• Free Cookies