Product Recovery Process Improvement Intern

In this internship, you will support the Product Recovery team in rethinking how returned and damaged products are handled. You will analyse current recovery processes, identify improvement opportunities, and help develop data-driven decision-making frameworks that balance customer satisfaction, profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Through your work, you will contribute to IKEA's circular ambitions while helping recover maximum value from products.

• Product Recovery Process Improvement Intern
• Haarlem, Netherlands
• Kwaliteit & Lean
• Full Time
• Apprenticeship

Wat je dagelijkse werkzaamheden zullen zijn

What you will do:

• Map and analyse current Product Recovery workflows and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate how cleaning, refurbishment, and Second Chance sales can increase product value and extend product life.
• Assess the financial impact of different recovery options by analysing costs, pricing, and profitability.
• Explore how factors such as storage capacity, sales space, customer demand, and sustainability influence recovery decisions.
• Develop process flows, decision trees, and practical recommendations that help colleagues make consistent and data-driven recovery decisions.

Over dit werkgebied

You will be part of the Product Recovery department, working closely with colleagues who focus on quality, sustainability, and operational excellence. The team is collaborative, supportive, and driven by continuous improvement. Together, we aim to reduce waste, recover value, and create better outcomes for customers and the planet.

Wie je bent

At IKEA, we believe it’s important that you can be yourself. You are curious, analytical, and not afraid to challenge existing ways of working. You enjoy turning complex problems into structured solutions and are motivated by sustainability and business impact. You communicate clearly, work independently, and feel comfortable collaborating with different stakeholders. Your structured way of working enables you to turn insights into practical recommendations and drive meaningful improvements.

What else you need:

• You are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's programme (e.g. Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Sustainability, Data Analytics, or a related field).
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data (Excel or similar tools).
• Ability to structure processes and visualise insights (e.g. process flows, frameworks, or decision trees).
• Strong communication skills in English: Dutch is a plus.
• Available for at least 32 hours per week, preferably on Monday and Thursday.

Wat verder belangrijk is

If you take on this role with us, you can expect the following:

• We are proud of our informal, open work atmosphere where your opinion counts.
• A fun, educational, and dynamic place to intern and develop yourself.
• In addition to all the knowledge and experience you gain with us, you will receive a monthly internship allowance of €340 (based on 38 hours).
• This internship starts from early February and lasts 5-6 months.
• This is a hands-on internship where you will work on a real business challenge with visible impact on our Product Recovery operations.