Job Description

Sassenheim in the Netherlands, and Vilvoorde in Belgium

Commercial Operations Graduate Program

Color your career at AkzoNobel.
Start building your future in a multinational organisation where commercial excellence, sustainability and people development come together.
Our Commercial Operations Graduate Program is a 3-year development journey designed to prepare early career professionals for future roles in marketing, sales and commercial operations within AkzoNobel. The program runs on a yearly intake basis and is suitable for candidates graduating from 2026 onwards.

About the program

During the program you gain a broad and practical understanding of how a global organisation serves its customers in a multi-country Benelux environment. You work on meaningful business assignments with real ownership and visible impact, while steadily building your network and leadership capabilities.
The program offers:

• Three rotations of 9 to 12 months across Commercial Operations teams
• A multi-country assignment within the Benelux organisation
• Exposure to Marketing and Sales Units
• Close collaboration with the Commercial Operations Benelux management team
• A structured learning and development curriculum focused on process improvement and effective communication
• A personal Buddy and an experienced Mentor from day one

What you will learn

Throughout the program you will develop strong capabilities in:

• Commercial strategy, planning and performance management
• Reporting, analytics and data driven decision making
• Technology and digital transformation within commercial operations
• Leadership skills, professional ethics and values

You work closely with experienced professionals who support your development and help you successfully transition from academia into a professional corporate environment.

Your future at AkzoNobel

This program is designed as a pipeline for future leaders within AkzoNobel. After successfully completing the three years and rotations, you transition into a next-level role within marketing, sales or commercial operations in one of our Marketing and Sales Units.
Together with your mentor, you explore career paths that align with your strengths and ambitions, both within the Benelux region and across the wider global AkzoNobel organisation.

What you bring

• A Master’s degree in Business Economics, IT and Management, Data Science or a related discipline
• Graduation completed or expected from 2026 onwards
• Ambition and motivation to grow into a future leadership role
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interest in digital innovation and process improvement
• The confidence to challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives
• Professional proficiency in English and Dutch; French is an advantage

What we offer

AkzoNobel is consistently recognised as a top employer in the Netherlands and Belgium, with sustainability at the heart of our strategy.
You can expect:

• A competitive salary and an above-average number of annual holidays
• Hybrid working model
• Access to the YAN Network, the Your AkzoNobel Network, with learning and social activities
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Participation in the AkzoNobel pension plan
• Fixed annual bonus

How to apply

Applications are accepted via https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers Please submit your resume and a short motivation through the online system. Only online applications are considered.
The recruitment process typically includes application screening, interview rounds and may include an online assessment. An employment screening may be part of the selection process.
If you are looking to start your career in a multinational environment and want to grow in a supportive and professional setting, we encourage you to apply.