Operational Excellence - Summer Internship

Cawood; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced professionals

Opportunities to lead impactful projects

Chance to build professional network

Job summary

A leading scientific group in Bracknell is seeking an Operational Excellence Intern for Summer 2026. This internship is an excellent opportunity to engage in process improvement initiatives while gaining practical experience in Kaizen methodologies. You will collaborate with teams, document findings, and contribute to enhancing operational efficiency. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in Science, Engineering, or Business, possess strong analytical skills, and are eager to learn. Join us to make a difference this summer!

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a relevant degree.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Participate in process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to Kaizen events and waste walks.
• Document and present findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Help build visual management tools.

Skills

Strong analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Process-oriented mindset

Interest in Lean methodologies

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Business

Job description

Summer Internship Opportunity – Operational Excellence

Duration: Summer 2026

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

Are you a motivated, detail-oriented individual with a passion for process improvement?

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

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.