Working Student Operations Strategy & Transformation (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products.

We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

„The future is circular“

You will join our newly formed Operations Strategy & Transformation team – a team of former strategy consultants driving IFCO’s most important operational and transformation initiatives. As a private equity-owned company, we operate at high pace and with a strong focus on value creation, with direct exposure to top management and our shareholders. This means real responsibility and steep learning from day one – far beyond a typical working student role.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategy & Analysis – Support data collection, analysis, and reporting activities for strategic initiatives and value area assessments, helping to drive informed business decisions.
• Executive Support – Assist in the preparation of strategy materials, presentations, workshops, and decision papers for leadership, executive stakeholders, and shareholder reviews.
• Portfolio Management – Contribute to prioritization activities and support the monitoring and tracking of the transformation portfolio to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Digital Innovation – Partner with cross-functional teams to evaluate, pilot, and roll out digital solutions that enhance operational performance and business efficiency.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Build effective relationships with team members and stakeholders across the organization, fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented way of working.
• Problem Solving – Participate in team discussions, workshops, and continuous improvement activities, contributing insights and recommendations to address business challenges.
• Team & Organizational Support – Provide administrative and organizational support to the Operations Strategy & Transformation team, helping ensure smooth execution of key initiatives.

We expect:

• Educational Background – Enrolled student in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Analytical Mindset – Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to structure information and derive meaningful insights from data.
• Digital Skills – Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and AI-applications, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, and Claude/ChatGPT, with an interest in working with data and presentations.
• Interest in Strategy & Transformation – Genuine enthusiasm for operations strategy, transformation initiatives, and program management within an international, private equity-owned business environment.
• Professional Experience – Initial practical experience gained through internships, academic projects, or a working student role in strategy, consulting, private equity, transformation, or operations is an advantage.
• Communication & Collaboration – Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across international teams.
• Structured Way of Working – Reliable, detail-oriented, and well-organized approach to managing tasks and delivering high-quality results.
• Learning Agility – Proactive, curious, and eager to learn, with the motivation to take ownership and grow in a dynamic environment; business-fluent English required.

We offer:

• Real responsibility from day one – Work on high-impact strategic projects in a private equity-owned environment, with direct visibility to senior leadership and shareholders and flat hierarchies.
• Accelerate your career – The exposure to strategy, transformation, and value creation prepares you for future roles.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages, subsidized lunch, and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.