Internship - Global Innovation Process

Internship - Global Innovation Process at HEINEKEN

Company: HEINEKEN

Internship – Global Innovation Process

At HEINEKEN, innovation is at the core of how we create iconic brands and experiences that people love. To make this happen, we rely on our Global Innovation Process (GIPNEXT) – the framework that transforms great ideas into successful launches across the world. Your objective is to take the global adoption of GIPNEXT to the next level.

This is no small task: you will help thousands of colleagues across our global markets understand how to innovate smarter, faster, and better. With your creativity, communication skills, and curiosity, you’ll make a real impact on how HEINEKEN continues to lead in a highly competitive industry.

What you will do

• Bring the process to life: create clear, engaging, and inspiring training materials so all roles involved in innovation know exactly what is expected from them.
• Simplify complexity: enrich all deliverables with actionable guidance – making the process intuitive and easy to follow.
• Drive collaboration: actively search for best practices, tools, and success stories by connecting with subject matter experts and the global innovation community.
• Clarify responsibilities: help define and communicate the roles and responsibilities within GIPNEXT on a functional level.
• Be the voice of feedback: collect insights and feedback from global Operating Companies (OpCos) and key stakeholders, and translate these into a concrete action plan for improvement.

Required skills

1. Creativity
2. Change Management & Communication
3. You should be skilled at translating complex frameworks into intuitive, actionable guidance

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the innovation process at HEINEKEN, which enabled us to realize amazing innovations such as HEINEKEN 0.0% and Blade. You will have the chance to learn from experienced professionals in Commerce, Supply Chain and all other functions involved in innovation.

The department

You will be part of the Global Research and Development team located in Zoeterwoude and report to the Innovation Process and PMO Lead. The R&D team consists of colleagues with different nationalities whom all share the passion for innovation.

The terms of employment

• Your starting date is 1st of January 2026
• The internship is fulltime (in consultation also 4 days a week possible)
• The duration of the internship is 5 or 6 months (in consultation with your internship supervisor)
• It is a practice-oriented internship
• You will be based in Zoeterwoude
• Working hybrid
• You will receive an internship fee of €500 gross p/m based on 40 hours per week
• You will enjoy 2 vacation days per month (based on fulltime)
• If you do not have a student OV product, your commuting expenses will be fully reimbursed

The unique you!

We are looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and outgoing person, enrolled in a university throughout the entire period of the internship and with a keen interest in the world of innovation; you can combine strategy and creativity in your work approach. Moreover, you are a people’s person, always willing to be of service to your colleagues and other stakeholders.

You are studying towards your Bachelor or Masters in the areas of Business Communication, Business Administration, Marketing, Innovation or similar.

Also, the ideal candidate has:

• An excellent grasp and control of the English language
• Persuasive and proficient communication and creative writing skills

Conditions of HEINEKEN

1. You are enrolled at an educational institution.
2. 1. In the case of non-EU nationality, you must be registered as an intern with a Dutch educational institution, from which we receive proof of enrollment for the current academic year from you.
   2. In case of EU nationality, you may also be registered as an intern at educational institutions outside the EU.
3. Living in the Netherlands during internship (HEINEKEN does not facilitate housing).

Interested?
Great! For more information about this vacancy, please contact jelmer.hooghiemstra@heineken.com.

Working at HEINEKEN

Every day we work with pride on our great products that you have certainly had in your hand at a party, during a work meeting or at home on the couch. HEINEKEN is much more than just beer. What about brands like Heineken 0.0, Strongbow, Desperados and Birra Moretti. We actively work to create a pleasant work environment where everyone feels respected and has equal opportunities. Your personality, knowledge and skills are the success of our organization.

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