Food Technical - 12m Internship

Sainsbury's

Competitive

London

Expected closing date: Sunday, 15 November 2026

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TL;DR

Key Takeaways

Undertake a 12-month paid internship in Sainsbury's technical function, working on real business projects.
Gain experience across the food supply chain, including working with suppliers and in stores.
Requires a predicted minimum 2:2 in Food Science or a related science degree.
Receive a competitive salary and a range of employee benefits and discounts.

About the Role

This is a 12-month internship within Sainsbury's technical function, aimed at undergraduate students studying for a Food Science or Science-related degree who are looking for an industry placement year.

What You'll Do

Complete two 6-month projects specific to your area, working cross-functionally within the Sainsbury's Technical team.
Present project findings to business leaders.
Work with and visit suppliers, gaining insight into the entire supply chain.
Spend time working in a store to understand the impact on retail colleagues.

What We're Looking For

A genuine passion for food and food retail.
Ability to apply degree learnings to real-life work situations.
Strong learning ability, time management, and organisational skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Currently a second-year undergraduate student seeking an industry placement/sandwich year.
Predicted minimum 2:2 degree in Food Science or another Science-related degree with a keen interest in food manufacturing and the food industry.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Critical, logical, and analytical problem-solving skills.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Proactive and confident decision-making.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary.
Colleague Discount across Sainsbury's, Argos, and Habitat (10% after 4 weeks, increasing to 15% on specific days/paydays).
Holiday Allowance.
Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, and retail vouchers.
A full year of inductions and business immersions.
Access to ample resources and support.
Guidance on navigating the business and future career paths.
Pensions scheme and life cover.
Potential for a performance-related bonus (up to 5% of salary).
Support for wellbeing, including options to buy additional holiday.
Benefits to help money go further, such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, and pay advance.
Employee assistance programme.
Maternity/adoption leave pay (up to 26 weeks) and paternity leave pay (up to 4 weeks).
Flexible working conversations are encouraged.