Graduation: Digital transformation & AI strategy for service operations

• Job area: Students
• Location: Veghel, Netherlands
• Contract type: Full time
• Assignment type: Graduation
• Start date: February 2027
• Assignment duration: 6 months
• Education level: Master
• Desired study: Business Information Management, Data Science & AI, Business Analytics
• Language: Dutch / English

Graduation: Digital transformation & AI strategy for service operations

Description of assignment

Are you eager to shape the future of global service operations through Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation? The Service organization within Vanderlande's Distribution domain is undergoing a major digital transformation. Emerging technologies such as AI, advanced analytics, automation, and connected equipment offer exciting opportunities to elevate service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and create scalable customer value.

During your graduation project, you will investigate how our Service organization should evolve toward 2030 to fully capitalize on digital transformation and AI. You will assess current capabilities, benchmark leading digital service organizations inside and outside our industry and design a future Service Operating Model. Your research will cover organizational design, service analytics, AI adoption, governance, and change management. Ultimately, you will deliver a strategic roadmap and implementation plan that empowers Vanderlande to deliver data-driven and AI-enabled services worldwide

Department description

You will join the Service Excellence team within Vanderlande Distribution, which drives continuous improvement, service innovation, and strategic digital initiatives across our global business. The team serves as a vital bridge between regional service units and central divisions such as Technology, Product Management, ICT, Supply Chain, and Data & Analytics.

A key focus of the team is developing and deploying digital capabilities across the entire lifecycle of automated logistics systems. This includes predictive maintenance, service analytics, AI-driven solutions, process automation, and data governance. Working in an international, forward-thinking environment, you will collaborate with global stakeholders to turn groundbreaking ideas into scalable business solutions.

Tasks/responsibilities

• Analyze current service processes, capabilities, and organizational structures within Distribution Service.
• Conduct internal and external benchmarking of digitally mature service organizations and industry leaders.
• Investigate market trends and best practices related to AI, automation, digital services, and operating models.
• Interview key stakeholders across Service, Technology, ICT, Data & Analytics, and regional organizations.
• Design a future Service Operating Model and define an actionable Digital Transformation and AI adoption roadmap.

Your profile

• A strong interest in Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and technology-driven business models
• Analytical and conceptual thinking skills with the ability to bridge business strategy and technology
• Comfortable conducting qualitative or quantitative research, interviewing stakeholders, and facilitating workshops
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills
• *Mandatory enrolment to a Dutch Education System & resident of The Netherlands

What we offer

• A monthly internship allowance (based on a 40-hour work week): Master: €550 per month
• Full commuting allowance, including public transport, depending on whether you have access to free public transport or not
• On-site health center with gym
• Active employee communities and initiatives
• Excellent company restaurant and barista coffee bar