Operational Excellence Intern - Summer 2027 - Manchester

Cawood Scientific; Manchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI) invites applications for a Summer Internship in Operational Excellence at our Manchester, UK site.

The role focuses on process improvement, Kaizen fundamentals, and supporting cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency. The internship offers hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and exposure to real-world business initiatives across our diagnostic and scientific service groups.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Strong analytical and process 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

Lean/Kaizen knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Science/Engineering/Business

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

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.

Job Description: 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

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.

EBI's 190-year history has been shaped by innovation and stewardship defining who we are today: a family-owned, independently led, and professionally managed company united by our people, Core Values, and Winning Vision. We invite you to explore our three strong businesses and discover how you can help shape the next chapter of our story. Ensign-Bickford Industries founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well‑being of society, creating exceptional long‑term value.

AFB International AFB is the leader in pet food flavor enhancers. Ensuring product performance for pet food manufacturers—and their customers—is our business. Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company EBAD is a global leader in precision energetic systems and other innovative explosives, non-explosive and electromechanical solutions for the defense and aerospace markets.

EnviroLogix EnviroLogix is a global leader in the development of rapid GMO and mycotoxin detection technology.