Danone invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for the Danone Ascend Graduate Development Programme 2026 in the Johannesburg Region.
Programme Duration: 24 Months
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (On-site)
Posted: 14 November 2025
About the Danone Ascend Graduate Program
The Danone Ascend Graduate Development Program is designed to develop the next generation of Danoners by equipping graduates with future-ready skills, leadership capabilities and hands-on experience within various strategic business functions.
This 24-month structured development programme includes cross-functional rotations, mentorship, technical training, leadership workshops, and exposure to real business challenges across Danone’s core departments.
The programme aims to build talent that will support Danone’s long-term growth and future strategic direction.
General Responsibilities
As a Graduate Trainee, you will:
- Participate in cross-functional rotations every 3–6 months
- Support operational and strategic projects
- Analyse business and operational data
- Contribute to process optimisation and improvements
- Work with diverse teams to solve business problems
- Attend training sessions and development workshops
- Present insights, findings and recommendations to senior management
Function-Specific Responsibilities
1. Production & Operations
- Assist with daily production planning
- Monitor equipment performance and track production KPIs
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement initiatives
2. Marketing
- Support brand campaigns and new product launches
- Assist with consumer research and competitor insights
- Contribute to trade marketing and retail activation plans
3. Finance & Accounting
- Assist with budgeting, cost analysis and financial reporting
- Support pricing models and profitability assessments
- Participate in internal audits and compliance reviews
Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A short CV
- Strong academic record
Qualifications Required:
Graduates with degrees in the following are encouraged to apply:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Engineering
Skills Needed:
- Strong academic performance
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong analytical ability
- Willingness to work in both factory and office environments
How to Apply
👉 Click here to apply for the Danone Ascend Graduate Program 2026
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