OPEX Intern

Muller UK & Ireland; Droitwich Spa; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Müller UK & Ireland invites motivated placement students to join the Operational Excellence (OPEX) team at our flagship dairy in Droitwich for a 13‑month placement starting July 2027.

You will work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, gaining hands-on experience across improvement projects, data analysis, and change management within a leading FMCG manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication across all levels, from operators to senior managers.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to drive projects forward independently.
• Adaptable in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to identify and implement improvements.
• Foundational understanding of operational excellence principles.

Responsibilities

• Cross-functional collaboration with site leadership and central OPEX to deliver improvement projects.
• Support the OPEX roadmap and on-site continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze performance data to identify opportunities and drive waste elimination.
• Participate in structured problem-solving using Six Sigma methodologies.
• Assist in lean deployment tools and change management activities.
• Develop project planning, budgeting, and progress tracking skills.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Self-starter

Adaptability

Problem solving

Operational excellence knowledge

Technical proficiency

Full UK driving licence

UK residency

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Operational Excellence Intern
Location: Droitwich
Contract: Starting July 2027, 13-month Fixed Term Contract
Hours/Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday 40 hours per week

Why join the Muller Internship Program?

At Müller, we're passionate about helping students launch their careers through our dynamic Internship Programmes.

Over 13 months, you'll gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while building the skills that matter - technical expertise, leadership, communication, and more.

Our tailored learning journey blends real-world challenges with personal development, so you'll grow in confidence and capability from day one.

Ready to shape your future with Müller? Let's make it happen.

What you'll be doing:

Müller is seeking motivated, ambitious and talented placement students to join the Operational Excellence (OPEX) team at our flagship dairy in Droitwich. This exciting placement offers exposure to a wide range of business-critical improvement projects, operational performance initiatives, problem-solving methodologies and process optimisation activities within one of the UK's leading FMCG manufacturing environments.

Working closely with the Site Leadership Team and Central Operational Excellence community, you will support and lead focused improvement projects that enhance operational efficiency, eliminate waste, improve productivity and strengthen front-line performance. You will have the opportunity to develop expertise in continuous improvement, performance analysis and change management, while building the leadership, influencing and coaching skills needed to drive sustainable results.

Designed for students seeking a challenging and rewarding industrial placement, this role provides the opportunity to work with senior stakeholders, gain hands-on operational experience and make a measurable impact on site performance. By fully engaging with the programme, you will develop the practical skills, commercial awareness, professional confidence and operational excellence mindset required to thrive in a future career within manufacturing, operations or business leadership.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with site leadership, front-line teams and the central operational excellence community to deliver improvement projects that enhance Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People and Sustainability performance.
• Continuous Improvement Delivery: Support the delivery of the Operational Excellence roadmap and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
• Data Analysis: Analyse operational performance data to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste and support data-driven decision making.
• Root Cause Analysis: Participate in and lead elements of structured problem-solving activities using Operational Excellence and Six Sigma methodologies to improve business performance.
• Lean Deployment: Assist in the deployment of lean/TPM based tools and philosophies to include SMED, 5S, Autonomous Maintenance, Standard Work, RCA
• Project Management: Develop skills in project investment processes, including milestone planning, budgeting and scope development. Support project planning, execution and tracking to ensure the successful delivery of engineering improvements, presenting findings and recommendations through reports and project updates
• Change Management: As a change agent you'll be supporting the planning, communication and implementation of change initiatives, helping teams adapt to new ways of working and ensuring operational improvements are successfully embedded and sustained across the site.
• Personal Development and Leadership: Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, take ownership of personal development and contribute positively to Müller's values, culture and standards.

What we're looking for:

Key Skills and Qualifications Include:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with teams at all levels, from operators to senior management.
• Self-Starter Attitude: Proactive, with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward independently.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, where priorities and challenges can change rapidly
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capability to anticipate issues and deliver innovative solutions.
• Operational Excellence Knowledge: A basic understanding and interest in operational excellence principles
• Technical proficiency: Competent with the use of Microsoft office and digital tools
• Full UK driving license: Held for at least one year.
• UK Residency: Eligibility to work in the UK (Please note this role is not eligible for spons