Graduate Trainee - (Danone Ascend Graduate Program) Johannesburg Region

Danone; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food company in Johannesburg is offering a Graduate Development Program designed to cultivate future talent through structured rotations across various functions including Marketing, Finance, and Operations. This 24-month program emphasizes skill development and collaboration, aimed at solving real business challenges. Graduates with strong academic performances and relevant degrees are encouraged to apply, with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Collaborative and social workplace

Focus on wellbeing

Opportunities for skill development

Qualifications

• Strong academic record required.
• Short CV is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Participate in cross-functional rotations every 3–6 months.
• Support operational and strategic projects within each department.
• Analyse data and contribute to process improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to solve real business challenges.
• Attend training sessions and development workshops.
• Present learnings and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Strong academic performance

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Willingness to work in factory and office environments

Education

Degree in Finance

Degree in Accounting

Degree in Marketing

Degree in Engineering

Job description

Short Intro and About the Job

The Danone Ascend Graduate Development Program is designed to address the Skills and Talent Needs for the future within functions that are pivotal in our Strategic direction. The program aims to develop the next generation of Danoners through a 24-month structured development program.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in cross-functional rotations every 3–6 months.
• Support operational and strategic projects within each department.
• Analyse data and contribute to process improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to solve real business challenges.
• Attend training sessions and development workshops.
• Present learnings and recommendations to senior management.

Function‑Specific Responsibilities

1. Production & Operations

• Assist in daily production planning and execution.
• Monitor equipment performance and production KPIs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean manufacturing).

2. Marketing

• Support brand campaigns and product launches.
• Conduct market research and consumer insights analysis.
• Assist with trade marketing and retail activation strategies.

3. Finance & Accounting

• Assist with budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting.
• Support pricing strategies and profitability assessments.
• Participate in audits and compliance reviews.

About You

REQUIREMENTS

• Short CV
• Strong academic record

We are looking for graduates with the following qualifications :

• Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Engineering

Skills

• Strong academic performance
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Willingness to work in factory and office environments.

About Us – We Offer and What's Next

WHAT WE OFFER TO OUR GRADUATES

At Danone everyone is encouraged to learn and grow. You can develop your skills and explore multiple areas of the business.

We offer a collaborative and social workplace with a focus on wellbeing. We place importance on networks and relationships, not structure and process.

You will be empowered to make a difference as part of a movement that aims to make the world healthier.