Exciting Internship Opportunity at British American Tobacco: Operations Interns (10 Positions) – Nairobi
British American Tobacco (BAT), a global leader in the tobacco industry with a strong legacy of innovation, performance, and excellence, invites applications for its prestigious Operations Internships in Nairobi. This program is designed to offer recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience, sharpen technical skills, and cultivate professional growth in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
With a track record of nurturing young talent, BAT’s internship program is ideal for individuals seeking to make a lasting impression in their careers. The selected candidates will work under the guidance of the Integrated Work System Manager and collaborate with various professionals to contribute meaningfully to key operations projects.
Introduction to the Internship Program
As part of its commitment to excellence and innovation, British American Tobacco is offering 10 internship positions within its operations division in Nairobi. This internship is tailored to graduates who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (particularly Mechanical and Production Engineering), with the goal of developing young professionals into future industry leaders.
Interns will work on live projects that align with BAT’s manufacturing and operational goals. These projects are designed to challenge and stretch individuals while providing mentorship and support to foster growth. This is an excellent stepping-stone into the world of manufacturing, operations management, and industrial engineering in a global setting.
Position Overview
- Position Title: Operations Intern
- Number of Positions Available: 10
- Work Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Department: Operations
- Reporting To: Integrated Work System Manager
- Advert Number: 4626/2025
- Employment Type: Internship
- Terms of Employment: Internship Contract
- Advert Date: 27th May 2025
- Closing Date: 13th June 2025
Detailed Job Description
As an Operations Intern, you will be immersed in a structured internship that not only exposes you to the core of manufacturing operations but also enables you to drive projects and initiatives with tangible business outcomes. This program is perfect for self-motivated individuals who are passionate about process improvement and digital integration within manufacturing systems.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Project Execution:
- Collaborate with the operations team on selected improvement projects aimed at enhancing productivity and process efficiency.
- Take ownership of specific project tasks with accountability for timely delivery and reporting.
- Innovation and Digital Integration:
- Leverage automation and digital tools to support the optimization of manufacturing processes.
- Assist in the implementation of digital solutions to improve workflow, data management, and reporting accuracy.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset:
- Apply Lean principles and other continuous improvement methodologies in operations.
- Analyze process bottlenecks and suggest actionable solutions to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
- Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Support operational data analysis and reporting using digital tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or custom BAT systems.
- Prepare presentations and reports to communicate project progress and results to stakeholders.
- Team Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, production, quality assurance, and engineering.
- Participate in daily meetings and contribute to strategic and operational discussions.
- Exposure to Manufacturing Environment:
- Gain valuable experience working in a high-paced, complex manufacturing environment.
- Understand the dynamics of global supply chains and the role of engineering in efficient operations.
- Support Operational Routines:
- Be part of daily routines including Gemba walks, safety audits, and shift handovers.
- Document observations and suggest areas for improvement in line with the site’s operational standards.
- Learning and Development:
- Take part in training sessions curated for interns covering topics such as safety, quality control, production systems, and leadership.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow within a performance-driven team culture.
Candidate Profile
- A recent graduate (within the past 1–2 years) holding a Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Individuals with zero to limited work experience (0 years required) are encouraged to apply.
Desired Attributes
- Ambition and Drive: Motivated self-starters who take initiative and are ready to embrace challenges.
- Creativity and Innovation: Individuals who bring fresh perspectives and are not afraid to experiment with new ideas.
- Digital Savvy: Basic proficiency or interest in digital systems and automation tools in the manufacturing space.
- Strong Communicators: Able to express thoughts clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing.
- Team Players: Willing to collaborate and contribute positively to team efforts and a shared vision.
- Organized and Detail-Oriented: Able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
- Adaptability: Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and expectations.
- Learning Agility: Eager to absorb new knowledge, improve skills, and apply learning in a practical context.
Benefits of the Internship
Interns at British American Tobacco are not only exposed to practical work but are also mentored by industry professionals who are passionate about developing future leaders. The program offers:
- Exposure to world-class manufacturing operations and systems.
- An opportunity to work on real-life projects with business impact.
- Career coaching, mentoring, and professional development sessions.
- Networking opportunities with professionals across different functions.
- A strong learning culture in a high-performance environment.
About British American Tobacco (BAT)
British American Tobacco is one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies with a purpose to build A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of its business. With a strong heritage and a footprint in over 180 markets, BAT continues to evolve with changing times by investing in innovation, sustainability, and people.
At BAT Kenya, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and performance. We are committed to developing our people, driving positive societal impact, and being responsible corporate citizens.
Why Join BAT as an Intern?
- Global Perspective: Work with a multinational team and gain exposure to global practices.
- Empowerment: You will be trusted with responsibility and given space to prove your capabilities.
- Learning: You’ll develop practical, transferable skills across multiple domains.
- Impact: Interns are not onlookers—they contribute to real projects that drive operational success.
- Culture: Experience an inclusive, respectful, and dynamic work environment that celebrates performance.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the criteria are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Ensure that your application includes:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Cover letter detailing your interest in the role and suitability
- Copies of relevant academic certificates (optional unless specified later)
All applications must be received by 13th June 2025.
Please submit your application via the official portal.
