Operational Excellence  - Graduate  in Training

Job Description:

Job Description Summary:

Summary
We are seeking a driven and analytical Graduate Trainee Data Scientist to support our Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation agenda.
This role offers a unique opportunity to apply data science to real production challenges-improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making across the plant.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the development of data-driven solutions to optimize production performance and efficiency
* Assist in building models for:
* Production scheduling optimization
* Cost vs output optimization (energy, waste, downtime)
* CIP (Clean-in-Place) optimization
* Analyze plant data to identify:
* Inefficiencies
* Cost drivers
* Improvement opportunities
* Develop Python-based analytical models and simulations
* Create interactive dashboards (Power BI or similar) for real-time performance tracking
* Support predictive maintenance initiatives using historical equipment data
* Translate analytical insights into practical operational recommendations (playbooks)
* Contribute to business cases, including cost savings and ROI analysis
Minimum Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in:
* Data Science
* Industrial Engineering
* Computer Science
* Statistics / Applied Mathematics
* Or related field
* 0-1 year experience (internships, academic or project work accepted)
Technical Skills
* Basic to intermediate proficiency in Python
* Familiarity with:
* Data analysis (Pandas, SigmaXL etc)
* Data visualization (Power BI)
* Understanding of:
* Statistical analysis
* Optimization concepts
* Exposure to SQL or manufacturing systems (advantageous)
Key Competencies
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Ability to translate data into actionable insights
* High attention to detail and structured thinking
* Effective communication (technical and non-technical)
* Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn

Skills:

Location(s):Eswatini

City/Cities:Manzini

Travel Required:00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:No

Job Posting End Date:May 1, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola