Continuous Improvement Intern - From September 2026

Gate Gourmet is a leading global provider of a full range of catering services for primarily the airline industry. The focus is on culinary and operational excellence – and consistently providing the highest quality products and services tailored to strengthen the brand of our customers. Working with our customers and business partners, we create innovative offerings that delight the senses and make for a memorable dining experience, in the air and on the ground.We are looking for a motivated and hands-on Continuous Improvement (CI) Intern with an interest in Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence. In this role, you will support improvement initiatives focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost while working closely with experienced CI specialists and Lean Black Belt experts. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in process optimization, Lean methodologies, and problem solving within a dynamic and fast-paced industrial environment.Main ResponsibilitiesStudents will also have the opportunity to combine this internship with a thesis assignment linked to real business challenges and operational improvement projects.Possible focus areas include. Master Production PlanningOutbound and internal logisticsCost reduction business casesDefect reduction initiativesImproving production processes and workflowsBy working on these topics, students will gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing directly to operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives within the organization. This combination of practical involvement and analytical research provides an excellent opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a dynamic industrial environment.ProfileSecond, third or final-year HBO student in Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations, Logistics, or a related technical fieldStrong analytical skills with a problem-solving mindset and attention to detailGenuine interest in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement methodologiesProactive, hands-on, and eager to learn within a fast-paced operational environmentStrong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across different departmentsAble to work independently, take initiative, and contribute to improvement projects from analysis through implementationWhat We OfferA monthly internship allowance ranging from €549 to €749Hands-on experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence within a dynamic operational environmentCoaching and guidance from experienced Lean and CI professionals, including exposure to best practices and improvement methodologiesThe opportunity to work on projects that create real business impact and contribute directly to operational performance improvementsA dynamic, international, and multicultural working environment with close collaboration across different teams and departmentsValuable practical experience that supports both personal and professional developmentThe possibility to travel within Europe as part of operational or improvement-related projectsRequirementsThe possibility to apply for a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and a Certificate of No Objection (VGB) (mandatory requirement)Willingness to undergo screening by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (for this, it is important that you have lived consecutive in the Netherlands for the past eight years)