NextGen Graduate Program
Kickstart Your Career with our NextGen Graduate Program
Join our two-year rotational Graduate Program and be part of a global success story with iconic brands and world-class products. We believe today’s graduates are tomorrow’s force for good. If you’re ready to embrace challenges and make a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to unlock a world of possibilities and grow your career with us. Are you ready to make your mark?
On this page, you can find out more about:
Why Join Us?
Looking for a place where your talents can thrive and your ideas can make a difference? Welcome to Nestlé!
- Career Development Opportunities
At Nestlé, we are dedicated to nurturing your professional growth. Our leadership development initiatives prepare you for future roles within the company, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to advance your career. Learning in a practical, hands-on environment with real ownership of what you do, gives you the opportunity to grow & develop your leadership skills AND gain the knowledge and business acumen to set you up for long-term success! - Inclusive & Collaborative Culture
We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity. Nestlé is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and respected. Our culture of collaboration ensures that everyone is supported and valued, as we work together to achieve our goals and drive success as a unified team. - Work Life Balance
At Nestlé, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work models that allow you to tailor your schedule to fit your lifestyle. This flexibility helps you manage your personal and professional responsibilities effectively, contributing to overall job satisfaction and well-being. - YOU Can Make a Global Impact
As the biggest FMGC company in the world, your journey will span diverse brands, various business areas, and even multiple countries, offering you a truly global experience. You'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry, fostering your career growth through the power of your ideas, enthusiasm, and expertise. Embrace the chance to make an impact while expanding your horizons in a dynamic and supportive environment!
Are you eligible to be a NextGen?
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Final year University student or completed studies in the last 36 months
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Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident at the time of your application
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Willing to relocate across Australia or New Zealand
Application Process
Apply for the Graduate stream that best aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
If your application is shortlisted, you'll be invited to complete a series of online assessments to help us get to know you better.
Successful candidates will progress to a digital interview, where you'll have the opportunity to share more about your experiences, motivations, and strengths.
Candidates who advance to this stage will be invited to attend an assessment centre, either virtually or in person, where you'll connect with our team and participate in a range of activities designed to showcase your skills and potential.
NextGen Streams
Flexibility, curiosity, and adaptability are key as your rotations will be designed to provide the best learning experience aligned with business priorities.
Throughout the 2-year rotation program, you will be required to relocate to 2 factories across Australia or New Zealand as part of your 1st and 2nd year rotation. There will be opportunities to work across different areas with our business such as:
- Line and Production Management, Quality Assurance, Safety Health and Environment, Sustainability, Manufacturing Excellence, Continuous Excellence, Loss Analysis, Product Applications or Technical and Production.
- You will learn about project management and working with Manufacturing Quality, Line Management, Safety, Sustainability and more.
- You'll learn to embody the Nestlé Continuous Excellence philosophy: zero waste, one team and 100% engagement.
- Opportunities to put everything you learn into action by working on exciting projects with colleagues and customers alike to tackle daily challenges and deliver best practice.
- Your rotation plan will require relocation to Nestlé factory sites across Australia or New Zealand; this supports your learning and growth journey within our global business.
What will make you successful…
- A completed University Degree in Engineering (Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical, Industrial, Computer Science and Robotics), Applied Science, Food Science or Health & Safety
- A current valid driver’s license.
- You will be mobile and able to relocate across locations within Australia. Nestlé factories are located across Australia’s Eastern states.
- Self-motivated, innovative, adaptable, and results-driven individuals who thrive in a team environment.
Flexibility, curiosity, and adaptability are key as your rotations will be designed to provide the best learning experience aligned with business priorities.
Throughout the 2-year rotation program, there are opportunities to work within different streams, such as field sales, shopper marketing, customer marketing, digital marketing, e-commerce and brand marketing.
- Transform customer and shopper insights into impactful activation plans and create compelling sales offers and integrated shopper programs to delight our consumers.
- Gain hands-on experience by working on exciting projects alongside colleagues and customers, tackling daily challenges and delivering best practices.
- Embrace opportunities for growth and learning through rotations that may require relocation to different Nestlé Australia sites, allowing you to learn and grow with our global business.
What will make you successful…
- A completed University Degree (BUT not limited to) Business, Economics, Commerce, Marketing, Innovation, Communications, or Digital.
- A current valid driver’s license. The first 12 months of the program may require you to drive a corporate vehicle (car) as part of the field sales rotation - you must hold a valid full license and be a confident driver – At the time of employment a learner or provisional license will not be accepted.
- Your rotation can either be based in Sydney or Melbourne. You must be open to relocating within Australia.
- Self-motivated, innovative, adaptable, and results-driven individuals who thrive in a team environment.
Flexibility, curiosity, and adaptability are key as your rotations will be designed to provide diverse experiences while supporting business priorities and building broad supply chain capability.
Throughout the 2-year rotation program, you'll have the opportunity to gain exposure across different areas of our end-to-end Supply Chain, which may include Demand & Supply Planning, Procurement, Customer Supply Chain, Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence.
- Contribute to delivering products to our customers and consumers by supporting planning, logistics, sourcing, production, and supply chain improvement initiatives.
- Gain hands-on experience through meaningful projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges and drive operational excellence.
- Develop a holistic understanding of how our supply chain operates, from sourcing raw materials through to delivering products to customers across Australia and New Zealand.
- Embrace opportunities for growth and learning through rotations that may require relocation to different Nestlé sites, providing valuable exposure to our manufacturing, distribution, and corporate operations.
What will make you successful…
- A completed University Degree (but not limited to) Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, Commerce, Data Analytics, Science, or a related discipline.
- Your rotations may be based across different Nestlé locations in Australia, and you must be open to relocation opportunities where required.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a curiosity to understand how things work and a desire to drive continuous improvement.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and results-driven individuals who thrive in a collaborative team environment.
- A passion for operations, innovation, and delivering exceptional outcomes for customers and consumers.
Hear from our graduates
NextGen Frequently Asked Questions
Applications & Eligibility
Applications typically open in March each year.
We recommend creating a job alert on our Careers website to be notified when applications open.
To be eligible for the NextGen Graduate Program, you must:
- Be in your final year of study or have completed your degree within the previous 3 years.
- Hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency at the time of application.
Please review the eligibility requirements outlined in the specific job advertisement before applying.
Yes. If you're interested in multiple streams and meet the eligibility requirements, you are welcome to apply for more than one opportunity.
Absolutely. If you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply again in future recruitment campaigns.
That's okay. We understand that candidates will have varying levels of experience. We're interested in your potential, achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and willingness to learn, not just your previous employment history.
Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process typically includes:
- Online Application
- Online Assessment
- Digital Interview
- Assessment Centre
- Reference Checks and Medicals
- Offer
Each stage is designed to help us understand your strengths, potential, and alignment with Nestlé's values and culture.
We're looking for curious, adaptable, and motivated individuals who demonstrate a growth mindset, strong collaboration skills, and a desire to make an impact. We value diverse experiences and encourage candidates to bring their authentic selves to the recruitment process.
Timeframes may vary, however candidates can expect regular communication throughout the recruitment process. We'll keep you informed of next steps and outcomes at each stage.
Due to the high volume of applications, detailed individual feedback may not always be available at every stage. However, we strive to provide all candidates with a positive experience and timely communication throughout the recruitment process.
For any questions regarding your application or the recruitment process, please contact:
Assessment Centre
Our Assessment Centres are typically conducted both virtually and in person, dependent on your location at the time of the Assessment Centre.
During the Assessment Centre, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Participate in a business case study
- Complete an individual interview
- Meet Nestlé employees and business leaders
- Collaborate with fellow candidates
If you progress to this stage, we'll provide all the information you need to prepare.
We recommend that you:
- Learn about Nestlé, our brands, values, and culture
- Be prepared to discuss your studies, work experience, achievements, and career aspirations
- Participate actively in discussions and activities
- Demonstrate curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
For the case study, all required information will be provided.
Assessment Centre dates are generally fixed due to business and assessor availability. If exceptional circumstances prevent you from attending, please contact the recruitment team as soon as possible and we will review options on a case-by-case basis.
About the Program
The NextGen Graduate Program commences in January/February each year.
The NextGen Graduate Program is a two-year rotational development program designed to provide broad business exposure, hands-on experience, and structured learning opportunities.
Opportunities are typically available across:
- Commercial (Sales & Marketing)
- Supply Chain
- Technical & Production
Available streams may vary from year to year based on business requirements.
From day one, you'll contribute to real business projects and gain hands-on experience within your chosen stream. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, solve business challenges, and make meaningful contributions that help drive results across the organisation.
The number and duration of rotations may vary depending on your stream and business needs. Rotations are designed to provide broad exposure, diverse experiences, and opportunities to build capability across different areas of the business.
In some circumstances, an earlier start date may be considered depending on business requirements and role availability. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Learning & Career Development
Throughout the program, you'll receive structured development, on-the-job learning, regular feedback, and support from experienced leaders and colleagues. You'll also have opportunities to build your professional network and develop skills that support your long-term career growth.
The NextGen Graduate Program is designed to develop future talent for Nestlé. While ongoing employment cannot be guaranteed, our goal is to provide graduates with meaningful experiences and development opportunities that prepare them for future career opportunities within the business.
Locations & Mobility
Graduate opportunities are available across a variety of Nestlé locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Specific locations will be outlined in the job advertisement and discussed throughout the recruitment process.
Possibly.
Depending on your stream and rotation opportunities, you may be required to relocate within Australia or New Zealand during the program. We look for candidates who are open to experiencing different locations and business functions.
Depending on your stream and rotation, some travel may be required. Any travel requirements will be discussed during the recruitment process.
Where relocation is required as part of the program, Nestlé provides relocation assistance in line with company policy. Details will be discussed with successful candidates during the recruitment process.
Rewards, Benefits & Culture
Yes. The NextGen Graduate Program is a full-time, paid employment opportunity.
As a Nestlé employee, you'll have access to a range of benefits, which may include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development opportunities
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Employee recognition programs
- Access to Nestlé product discounts
- Inclusive employee networks and communities
Benefits may vary by location and eligibility.
Absolutely.
At Nestlé, we're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage First Nations peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
