Operations Leadership Traineeship (HBO)

About to graduate and ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment? Join us to shape the future of online grocery shopping!

During this Operations Leadership Traineeship, we’ll coach you to become a confident and inspiring Supervisor in our Fulfilment and Distribution Centers in The Netherlands.

As a Supervisor Trainee at Picnic, we will train you to manage daily operations and help you develop your leadership skills as an Operations Supervisor leading a team of over 100 people each day.
This two-year traineeship will offer you the chance to experience a fast-evolving operation where technology meets teamwork. You will also have the opportunity to work at various types of locations (manual, semi automated and automated) and even at an international Fulfilment Centre (e.g., Paris, Berlin, Hamburg), sharing insights and learning from global teams.

This traineeship includes four growth-focused rotations:

1. Learning Rotation
   
2. Leadership Rotation
   
3. Growth Rotation
   
4. Impact Rotation
   

• Onboarding: Start with an extensive onboarding program to explore every part of Picnic’s supply chain and connect with your fellow trainees.
• Learning Rotation: Your first year begins with our hands-on Learning Rotation. You’ll start with Shopper shifts (the Picnic term for order pickers) to experience operations from the ground up. Next, you’ll take on Captain shifts (Team Leader), where you’ll start leading a small team and managing an operational process. Then you’ll begin shadowing Supervisors, taking on real responsibility for an entire shift. Soon, you’ll be fully trained as a Supervisor - confidently running shifts and leading your own team!
• Leadership Rotation: During this step it’s time to take your leadership skills to the next level. You’ll participate in our Leadership Bootcamp and Positive Impact Sessions, joining other Supervisors and Captains to strengthen your people and management skills.
• Growth Rotation: You'll transfer to another type of Fulfilment Center in The Netherlands to grow into a capable Supervisor with solid operational experience in all types of operations. Later you can go to Germany or France to gain international experience, new perspectives, and grow as a leader. This experience gives you the chance to gain fresh perspectives and learn from new teams! It’s a chance to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and truly grow as a leader.
• Impact Rotation: All the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your traineeship comes together here. During this rotation, you’ll continue in your role as Supervisor while also applying your insights to drive meaningful improvements. You’ll work on projects that create real, tangible impact across our operations - shaping how we work today and in the future.

• You are a HBO/ Bachelor degree graduate with a specific interest in logistics and supply chain

• You have 0-2 years of full-time work experience

• You gained your first leadership experience with for example a board year, committee work, internships or voluntary projects

• You're fluent in English.

• You're ready for a hands-on, operationally-focused role

• You do not shy away from early morning or weekend Supervisor shifts 

• You're eager to make an impact and grow in an innovative company

• You have an EU working permit

• You’re willing to travel to different locations throughout the Netherlands

• You'll receive a competitive compensation package, including:

• 25 vacation days per year to recharge your batteries

• The option to lease a car

• Breakfast and lunch (or dinner at the FC) as well as delicious snacks and drinks available at all Picnic locations

• A flexible company pension plan called “Doenpensioen” at a.s.r.

• Picnic laptop and smartphone

• An awesome scale-up atmosphere with the freedom to drive your own projects and the opportunity to have an impact!

• The chance to work in an international environment with motivated team members & legendary company events

• Many internal learning and development possibilities as well as professional soft skill & leadership trainings at a specialized external party

• Start Traineeship: 6th April 2026

• Final application deadline: Wednesday 28th January @ 9am

• Traineeship Selection Days: Between 23rd to 27th February 2026

1. Apply with your resume (CV) and your video pitch

   • Instructions video pitch:
     Introduce yourself in a short video in English and let us know why you are the best match for this position! Please share a link to the video with us (YouTube, WeTransfer, Drive etc.).

     - Keep it short and spontaneous, max. 2 minutes

     - No fancy editing skills required: Grab your phone or webcam and let's do this!

     - Introduce yourself and tell us why you should be one of the Operations Leadership Traineeship participants

     - Explain to us why you are motivated to work in a warehouse environment!

     - E-mail us if you have any questions regarding the video

2. Online assessment and video pitch (if you hadn't sent it already)

3. Virtual interview with a Recruiter

4. Selection Day

Do you have any remaining questions? Feel free to contact recruiter Kate via email ([email protected]) or LinkedIn.

What is the location of this Traineeship? 

For this program, you will receive a full-time job offer based one of our Fulfilment Centres in The Netherlands (Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Zwolle, Heerenveen, Geldermalsen).

How long in advance should I apply? 

The earlier you submit your application, the faster you’ll know if you are selected for the selection days.

What shall I do if I am in my final year of studies but I will not be graduated by April 2026?

Earlier or later start dates may be possible. We’ll discuss together which start date suits you best if you are not yet finished your final year.