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 and beverage company in Johannesburg is seeking graduates for its 24-month Graduate Trainee Program. The program emphasizes skill development through cross-functional rotations in Production, Marketing, and Finance. Ideal candidates possess degrees in Finance, Marketing, or Engineering, along with strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers a collaborative work environment committed to health and well-being.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong academic performance

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Willingness to work in factory and office environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Graduate Trainee - (Danone Ascend Graduate Program) Johannesburg Region

• South Africa
• Johannesburg
• On-site
• 24 Months

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 (e.g., 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

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 Danone

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.

Job details

Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, we are a leading global food & beverage company built on four businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition and Medical Nutrition.