Nestlé Graduate Programs

As a force for good, we aim to build a healthy and sustainable future through products that are made with the health and wellness of our consumers as our first priority. To make this vision a reality, we need a diverse workforce across our various departments that reflects the diversity of our consumers.

That's why the NextGen Nestlé program is looking for future leaders across key areas of our business. We’re looking to discover graduates with leadership potential and commercial acumen. Graduates who are driven for results, innovative and adaptable will succeed in our highly engaged teams.

What’s it like to work here?

You’ll experience our culture and live our values – with consumers at the heart of everything we do. We strive to be a force for good; for our consumers, communities & the environment.

Marketing – Tom

I joined Marketing to have an opportunity to create a positive impact

I look after one of the most loved products across the world, MILO. Whether it’s providing nourishing energy for active Aussies or simply making smiles, our brands have such a strong impact in our consumer’s lives. In my role, the research I do helps me understand our consumers’ motivations, innovate through packaging ideas and create new communication ideas.

Technical & Production – Melissa

I love food and I love people – my position in Operational Performance gives me an opportunity to work with both of my loves! I studied Food Science & Human Nutrition and work in the factory on the line (on improvement activities) as well as with the operators (doing coaching and supporting). My days are never the same. I analyse data to understand patterns and trends, lead product waste reduction activities on the factory floor, and engage and motivate operators by making sure their needs are being met and working to create the kind of environment where they want to be involved.

Supply Chain - Kieren

I studied Mechatronic Engineering and Commerce, and was looking to work in an area where I could apply aspects of both degrees. Supply Chain was the perfect fit, as it requires analysis from both a technical and a commercial perspective. I work on projects that enable our logistics operations to perform as efficiently as possible, and the scale and constant push for improvement at Nestlé means there are always new and interesting projects available to work on.

Finance – Justelle

Numbers are what drives a business behind the scenes. As an accounting graduate, I joined Nestlé as it gave me the opportunity to view finance end to end; from when we make our products in our factories until they hit the shelves. During my time in the program, I was exposed to the breadth of the business . A career with Nestlé is what you make it.

In your chosen area, we'll support you to:

• Learn in a practical, hands-on environment with real ownership of what you do
• Grow and develop your leadership abilities
• Gain the knowledge and business acumen to set you up for long-term success

Your experience with us may cover different brands, different business areas, and even different countries. You'll have the chance to learn from some of the brightest minds across our organisation as you grow your career – through your ideas, energy and expertise.

What streams are available?

Ready to start your career with us?

We're looking to discover truly motivated graduates who seize opportunities and think differently – is this you? Before you start, be prepared and do your research about why you want to work for Nestlé. When you're ready to apply, you'll need to have all the items in the checklist below available so you can prepare and submit your online application.

NextGen FAQ

1. What is the selection and Application process?

2. Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you should be in your final year of university or have completed your studies within two years of starting the NextGen Nestlé Program. You'll also need either permanent residency or citizenship.

3. When does the program commence?
The program starts in January each year.

4. I've been invited to attend an assessment centre. Are you able to help with travelling costs?
We will help subsidise travel and accommodation (where applicable) to attend assessment centres if you are regional or interstate from the location of the assessment centre. We'll discuss this with candidates who are shortlisted.

5. What if I'm invited to an assessment centre but I can't attend that day?
Assessment centre dates are fixed and unfortunately, cannot be changed.

6. If I finish my degree halfway through the year, can I start earlier?
We consider this on a case-by-case basis depending on our business needs.

7. How long is the program?
The program is a two-year rotation program.

8. Can I apply for the program again?
Yes – if you fit within the eligibility criteria

9. If I am successful and need to relocate, will Nestlé help me with this?
Yes – Nestlé will provide support and contribute to relocation costs. We'll discuss our policies with successful candidates.

10. Who can I talk to about my application / selection process?
Email us at [email protected] for any questions.

Through all of this it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Throughout the program you’ll be coached and supported by the amazing teams behind our iconic brands. You’ll also have your own tailored learning and development program and work in teams of inspiring people.

How can you grow here?

Fresh thinking and new ideas: these two qualities are the fabric that make up the NextGen Nestlé graduates who’ll go on to be a future force for good.

From day one, you’ll have real responsibilities on real projects in different areas across the business. You’ll be encouraged to grow through continuous on-the-job learning, and our diverse and fast-paced environment will stretch and build your expertise daily.

With real ownership of your work, we’ll help you grow and develop your leadership abilities. You’ll also have your own tailored learning and development program and be working in a team of inspiring people.

With a sound platform of business knowledge, experience and well-developed networks, you will be ready to move into the business – your future career at Nestlé is in your hands.

What impact you can have here?

Joining a company with a history that goes back over 150 years and operations all over the world does sound pretty monumental. Here at Nestlé, we believe that everything we do across the business is interconnected.

Depending on the stream you will be joining, you will see the work you do contribute to our business vision. You will play a role in enhancing the lives of our many consumers that trust and believe in our great products.

We might have started over 150 years ago, but without our people, like you, we would not be this global company today.

Our Work Culture

We know priorities at home and work can blend and blur on any given day. We trust our people to make choices about when and where they get their job done, so that they can better balance their work and personal commitments.

In fact, our flexible and inclusive work culture has been recognized with a Flex Able certification from WORK180 social enterprise.

At Nestlé, we drive diversity & inclusion through our impact on:

Culture
by building an inclusive culture, leveraging the differences of our employees when working together

Innovation
by thinking about the needs of diverse consumers and customers in our products and services and being inclusive in their accessibility – whenever, wherever, however they need them

Society
By acting and engaging with society and stakeholders in our diverse business environments across the entire value chain.

A diverse workplace challenges and inspires the ways we think, innovate and create. At Nestlé, we constantly seek new and better ways to work together, building from our past success into the future.

We believe that the many different backgrounds, ways of thinking and cultural experiences of our people at every level of our business, make for a richer workplace and gives us the insight and innovation to grow and continually delight our equally diverse consumers.

Respect for diversity means respect for other ways of thinking, other cultures, and all facets of society, and requires openness and inclusiveness in all our interactions both inside and outside our company.

We aim to provide a workplace culture that generates equal opportunities for everyone, where people are treated with dignity and respect, where voices are listened to, valued and have genuine impact.

Our global and local initiatives on diversity include:

• Development opportunities: mentoring and coaching programs
• A flexible and supportive work environment
• Role model events, round tables and network discussions
• Leadership development training and unconscious bias workshops