Research & Development (R&D) Internship, Alfreton
At Ferrero, we create globally loved brands that bring moments of joy to people of all ages. Behind every successful product launch is a dedicated Research & Development (R&D) team turning ideas into reality.
Joining our R&D Internship at our Alfreton site means becoming part of the Technical Development team, supporting innovation across some of our most iconic brands. This internship offers meaningful, hands-on experience within a manufacturing environment, giving you exposure to product creation, validation and industrial scale-up.
You will work closely with Kitchen Developers, Technologists and cross-functional teams to support new product development projects from concept through to launch. Alongside day-to-day responsibilities, you will gain insight into how innovation is developed, tested, validated and brought to life within a global FMCG organisation
As an R&D Intern, you will support a range of product development and validation activities, including:
- Assisting the Kitchen Development team in creating product samples and prototypes in preparation for new product launches and concept development.
- Supporting laboratory activities including sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing and analytical work.
- Working alongside Technologists to support industrial validation trials and continuous improvement initiatives across site.
- Contributing to new product development projects across brands, gaining exposure to the full development lifecycle from brief to scale-up.
You will collaborate with teams across Production, Quality, Technical and Laboratories, developing a strong understanding of how new concepts are refined, validated for shelf life and storage, and ultimately industrialised.
This role offers practical exposure to food product development, manufacturing validation and cross-functional collaboration within a dynamic production environment.
We are looking for someone who is motivated to learn, technically curious, and eager to contribute within a collaborative and fast-paced R&D environment.
You may be currently studying towards, or have recently completed, a degree-level qualification in Food Science, Product Development, Food Technology, Engineering or a related discipline. Equivalent experience or alternative academic backgrounds with strong scientific capability are also welcomed.
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- A strong interest in food innovation and product development
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
- A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of learning
We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Throughout your internship, you will receive structured support and development opportunities to help you build practical R&D skills and gain valuable insight into the full product development process within a global organisation.
Please ensure that your application includes both your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, we would love to understand what motivates you to apply for this internship and why you are interested in building your career within Finance or Marketing at Ferrero. We also welcome insight into the skills, experiences or perspectives you would bring to the team.
The deadline for applications is TBC
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Screening telephone interviews: March - April 2026
- Online testing: April 2026
- Assessment Centre: April - May 2026
The internship will commence on Tuesday 1st September 2026 and will run for 12 months. During this period, you will be required to work from our sites and offices as defined per role, as on-site presence is a key requirement of the programme.
Right to Work Requirement
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the 12‑month internship at the time of application. This may include, for example, an unrestricted right to work or a visa that permits full‑time employment for the entire programme. In accordance with UK legislation, evidence of the right to work will be required before the internship begins.
Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.