Discover the Lindt & Sprüngli international Graduate Programs
The Lindt & Sprüngli International Graduate Programs are 18- or 24-month programs designed to introduce you to Lindt & Sprüngli, offer valuable insights into a career in consumer goods and, upon successful completion, candidates are given a permanent placement in one of our Lindt & Sprüngli affiliates around the world.
Depending on your area of interest and current studies, you can choose from five different graduate programs: International Finance & Controlling, International Marketing, International Operations, International Packaging and International Direct-to-Consumer (D2C). During the program the graduates will live and work in three different countries for a period of six or eight months each.
All programs aim to expose you to different divisions within your department, teach you the key skills of your chosen field and give you valuable insights into different markets. From the outset, you will be treated as an important member of the Lindt & Sprüngli team, taking active part in local and international projects, and will receive mentorship from the international team at headquarters as well as a local leader in the respective subsidiaries to grow you into a thriving young professional. Interested? Get more insights below.
Our international Graduate Programs
International Finance & Controlling
As a finance graduate, you will act as a business partner together with representatives from various functions. You will play a critical role in business planning, decision making, accounting and analysis across all aspects of the business. During the program, you will work closely with other departments such as Marketing, Sales and Operations. Throughout the 24-month program, you will be exposed to different finance departments in three different Lindt & Sprüngli affiliates around the world. You will gain a holistic experience of Finance & Controlling, as well as Marketing & Sales Controlling in one of our subsidiaries. The role as Operations Controlling will be at a production subsidiary.
International Marketing
Our marketing teams are involved in all the marketing steps from market research, consumer insights generation, marketing strategies, packaging and product innovations, to advertising and in-market execution. As part of our International Marketing Graduate Program, so will you. Throughout the 24-month program, you will be exposed to marketing styles in three different types of regions: One will be at the headquarters in Kilchberg, Switzerland and the other two in subsidiaries around the world.
International Operations
As an operations graduate at Lindt & Sprüngli, you will be introduced to the entire chocolate production process from bean to bar. From understanding the recipes and technologies behind each product to tasting the finished creations, you will be exposed to a variety of departments and processes. Throughout the 18-month program, you will be exposed to the following areas in three different production subsidiaries around the world: Basics of chocolate making, Processes and Technologies, Managerial tasks, Key Performance Indicators (KPI measurements), Safety, Industrial Performance and Planning, Research & Development (R&D) including Quality and Controlling.
International Packaging Development
Packaging plays an important role in Lindt’s business. Packaging as a brand ambassador is the first moment of interaction between the consumer and our products, we create emotions and expectations with our high premium packaging, which our chocolates will fulfil. Besides consumer demands, transportation, logistic and quality, packaging has functionality criteria as well during the processing of the materials within our production. As a packaging development graduate, you will be trained on how to develop high premium packaging based on marketing and consumer expectations while ensuring performance in an operational environment. Supplier Management, Quality Assurance as well as strong focus on sustainable packaging, as Lindt has ambitious targets in this area, will be part of the program. Throughout the 18-month program in three different subsidiaries around the world, you will learn how to manage all aspects along the packaging lifecycle.
International Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)
Become part of our global Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) team and shape with us the present and future of our 500 Lindt Shops and over 19 Online Shops worldwide. The 18-month rotational program offers you the chance to work in different areas of the direct-to-consumer business, such as retail, e-commerce, marketing, merchandising and operations. Besides our international department at the headquarters in Kilchberg, Switzerland, you will be part of two dynamic and diverse teams in two different international subsidiaries that deliver chocolate smiles to our consumers globally.
What you need
Besides passion for what we do, all programs require a university degree, geographic flexibility during and after the program and the ability to speak English and another European language fluently.
What we offer
- The chance to work at three of our subsidiaries around the world for a period of 6-8 months each
- Housing
- A local salary
- Compensation of your relocation costs
- The opportunity to hone your technical and personal skills, grow a global network, and become exposed to a fast-paced working environment
Where we are
Browse our locations to see where you could be based.
How to apply
So, you want to join Lindt & Sprüngli? This is what you can expect from the application process. First, from the five different programs explained above, choose the one that is right for you. Since you can only apply to one program at a time, make sure it’s the right one. Where you go after successfully completing the program is more flexible but for now, pick what interests you most. Also, selection criteria vary from program to program, so make sure you’ve read the requirements specific to your chosen program.
Now that you’ve chosen which program to apply for, it’s time to fill out the online form, which includes your CV and cover letter. Just click the ‘Apply now’ button at the bottom of this page. We read every cover letter, so make sure it accurately reflects you while keeping it concise and free of typos.
What to expect after submitting your application
We screen applications on a rolling basis, which means the earlier you apply, the better. If we find the right candidates, we close the application portal. If we like your profile, you will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with HR and a potential mentor from the specific department. Our advice: we want to get to know you, so just be you. This is also a chance for you to get to know us and understand the program better. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Once you pass this round, you will be asked for another interview (either virtual or in-person in Kilchberg, Switzerland). Here, you will have the chance to meet the senior leader of the program. Depending on your program, the agenda will include a form of practical test, such as a case study, presentation or group exercise. We might set up further video interviews with leaders based in different foreign subsidiaries. This way, you can get a feel for the different cultures at the subsidiaries we might send you to. If you successfully pass these rounds, you will receive an offer to join our program.
Ready? We look forward to hearing from you!