Graduate - Business/Sales

Within Van Leeuwen we are always looking for talented colleagues that are determined to make a strong start in their careers. You will do so by joining the (international) trainee program in which you have the opportunity to either follow a generic program (in which you will rotate across different departments and specializations) or a more specific program (for example in Supply Chain or Sales). One of the highlights of the program is an international assignment in one of our worldwide locations. During your traineeship you will learn as much as possible about the organization and work hand-in-hand with the business to overcome future challenges and opportunities.  

At the end of the 18-month program we will evaluate your experiences and jointly decide in which department and position you want to focus your career. Through your strong internal network and experience you can immediately make a difference within the business. Within Van Leeuwen, we believe you learn best when you are given real responsibility and are guided and coached throughout the program. Both personal development and group learning are important parts of the program, for which we will facilitate multiple trainee days at our head office in the Netherlands.

What does the program look like?

On Monday the 8th of January 2024 you will start with a 5-day onboarding program at our head office in Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands, where you’ll meet your fellow trainees. You will have a 2-day introduction program to get to know each other and the business. Next, you start your first assignment in your home country (UK) where you will learn about the Van Leeuwen global organization, your local business operations, and the industries we operate in. After the first assignment, you will be moving further into the business in a chosen area where you deepen your knowledge of the business and start building out an extended network. Halfway in the program you will get the opportunity to go on a 3-month international assignment to a different business where you would expand your network and begin seeing the organization as a global operation. The final months you return to your local office where you become embedded in the business and share your international experience. Finally, we will celebrate you completing the program in the Netherlands, and welcome you into your new role in the Van Leeuwen Group.

Who are you?

Maybe you have recently graduated and just started thinking about what direction you would like to go into. You want to find out what you excel at and want to discover what areas you are most passionate about. Then this traineeship definitely gives you the opportunity to find out!

Have you just kicked-off your career, but would you like to gain a broader perspective on business-related areas and want to develop yourself in a trainee program? Then that is exactly what this traineeship can offer you.

What are important (practical) requirements for the trainees we are looking for?

-We encourage both graduates and early career starters with up to 3 years’ work experience.

-You have got a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (for example in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Supply Chain, Sales, Digitalization/IT).

-You are living within commutable distance of our UK Brierley Hill office.

-You have a valid driver’s license.

-You are eligible for international travel and associated visa requirements.

-You are fluent in (business) English.

-You are a digital native in for example MS Office applications.

Who are you as a person?

To be successful in this role you should demonstrate self-awareness, be comfortable in ambiguity and curious to explore the world around you. The intent of the program is to be collaborative with the business, team up with your fellow trainees, and most important of all, make an impact! Van Leeuwen is a global business and we welcome candidates that communicate effectively across multiple cultures and are passionate about diversity.

Additional information

About the selection process:

You apply through the website with your CV (a letter of motivation is optional) before the 31st of October 2023. or you can send your cv directly to hannah.heads@vanleeuwen.co.uk 

Shortly after your application, we will contact you to either invite you for a first interview, or to give you some feedback on why you weren’t selected. In first half of November, the first round of interviews will be held. In the second half of November, the second round of interviews will take place. In the beginning of December we may host a final assessment, after which you and us can decide if you will be one of our new trainees! If you are successful in your application, you will attend on the 8th of January 2024 the 5-day onboarding program in Zwijndrecht, Holland.

What do we offer you?

• A great opportunity to discover the direction you want to further develop yourself into within an international organization with lots of opportunities.
• Coaching and mentoring: we will guide you through the program and discover your strengths together.
• Room for personal and functional development. Learning through (e-)courses and group assignments with your peers.
• The opportunity to gain international experience and work and live abroad for a period of 3 months (all supported by the organization).

Are you enthusiastic?

Are you enthusiastic about the program, about the learning opportunities and about the international aspect of the traineeship? Great! We would really like to meet you. You can apply through the website or via email to hannah.heads@vanleeuwen.co.uk