Continuous Improvement Intern

Job Description:

Huntsman is seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern supporting the Continuous Improvement team within the Costa Rica Global Business Services (GBS) organization, located in San José, Costa Rica. This position will report to the Continuous Improvement Leadership team.

Job Scope

Our intern program is tailored to individuals who are currently enrolled as full-time students at an accredited university. This will be a 12-month Internship. Working hours can be a minimum of 24 hours up to 40 hours per week, dependent on the intern’s availability. The goal of the Huntsman Intern Program is to provide a structured program that will equip interns with the skills and experience to help prepare for a successful career.

Compensation for this role is of 420,000 colones per month.

The Continuous Improvement Intern will support the Continuous Improvement (CI) team within the Costa Rica GBS organization. This role provides hands-on exposure to Lean methodologies, Continuous Improvement tools, process optimization, and problem-solving techniques within a dynamic, global business environment. The intern will support day-to-day CI operations and contribute to regional and global improvement initiatives while developing practical skills and knowledge. In Summary, as a Continuous Improvement Intern, you will:

Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization

• Support day-to-day Continuous Improvement operations, including preparing materials, assembling workshop kits, and coordinating logistics.
• Support the preparation of CI workshops and training sessions, including Kaizen, Yellow Belt, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities, and assist during sessions.
• Participate in process reviews and support process mapping and standardization activities.
• Support Continuous Improvement projects and selected regional and global initiatives.

Data Management and Documentation

• Maintain databases, trackers, and SharePoint sites to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
• Assist in preparing project documentation, presentations, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) drafts, and templates.
• Contribute to reports, project summaries, and Continuous Improvement communication materials.
• Maintain organized and accurate documentation related to CI activities and initiatives.

Collaboration and Operational Support

• Collaborate with regional and global teams on selected Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Support the coordination and execution of workshops, training sessions, and other CI activities.
• Work effectively with colleagues across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Complete additional tasks assigned by the supervisor and Continuous Improvement leadership.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

All candidates are expected to work at our office in AFZ, Heredia on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please note that there may be occasions when additional office days are required due to specific business needs.

The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in Costa Rica.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Licenciate degree, with more than 75% of the degree program completed.
• Demonstrated interest in Continuous Improvement, problem-solving, and process optimization.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English (B2+).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proactive and positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work effectively in an international and collaborative environment.
• Availability to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, up to 40 hours per week.

Skills and Knowledge

• Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Analytical thinking.
• Process-oriented thinking.
• Organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.
• Initiative and willingness to learn.
• Adaptability.
• Accountability.
• Professionalism.
• Positive and proactive mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and global environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Continuous Improvement or process improvement concepts.
• Basic understanding of Lean methodologies.
• Exposure to process mapping, standardization, or Root Cause Analysis.
• Familiarity with SharePoint or similar collaboration tools.
• Previous academic or practical exposure to Continuous Improvement projects is considered a plus.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience with Lean methodologies, Continuous Improvement tools, and process optimization.
• Initial training and continuous support from experienced mentors and colleagues throughout the Internship Program.
• Opportunity to participate in regional and global Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Exposure to workshops and methodologies such as Kaizen, Yellow Belt, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive, collaborative, multicultural, and global business environment.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Opportunity to build a professional network within a global organization.
• Potential future employment opportunities within Huntsman for high-performing interns.

Additional Locations: