The Coca-Cola HBC International Leadership Trainee Program 2026 is a world-class career accelerator designed for high-potential graduates who aspire to lead in an international environment. Built to fast-track your growth, the program combines hands-on experience, global exposure, and executive mentorship to prepare you for leadership roles within Coca-Cola HBC, one of the world’s most dynamic consumer goods companies.
This 18–24-month journey offers structured learning across multiple business areas such as Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Digital Commerce, and Analytics, helping participants develop commercial insight, strategic thinking, and global leadership capabilities. The program kicks off in April 2026 and is open to talented individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Program Summary
Application Opens: Now
Program Start Date: April 2026
Host Organisation: Coca-Cola HBC
Location: Across 29 global markets
Duration: 18–24 months
Eligibility: Graduates with up to 3 years of experience
Reward: Paid, full-time leadership development opportunity
What You’ll Experience
International Experience
As a trainee, you’ll gain on-the-job experience across multiple countries, working on cross-functional projects and learning how Coca-Cola HBC operates in different markets. You’ll engage with diverse teams, handle real business challenges, and contribute to high-impact initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
Accelerated Development
From the first day, you’ll be immersed in Coca-Cola HBC’s operations, from understanding field sales to partnering with key customers and leveraging data analytics to make strategic decisions. You’ll rotate across business functions and markets, learning by doing and developing the leadership mindset needed to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Expert Mentorship
Each trainee is paired with a senior leader mentor and a local buddy who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the journey. This dual mentorship structure ensures a blend of strategic insight and practical learning to accelerate your professional growth.
World-Class Learning
In collaboration with Hult International Business School, Coca-Cola HBC offers a tailor-made academic curriculum that integrates theory with practical applications. You’ll gain a Leadership Certificate from Hult EF Corporate Education, validating your readiness to lead. Learning happens continuously through:
- Online and live virtual sessions
- In-person workshops and business challenges
- Coaching, feedback, and peer learning opportunities
YOU CAN ALSO APPLY:
Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships for African Changemakers
What Makes the Program Unique
- Global Rotations: Experience life and work across multiple markets in Europe and Africa.
- Comprehensive Training: Learn from Coca-Cola HBC functional academies and Hult EF faculty.
- Diverse Work Environment: Collaborate with 30,000+ employees from over 70 nationalities.
- Leadership Development: Gain real-world exposure to commercial strategy, digital transformation, and innovation.
- Competitive Pay: This is a paid, full-time role with a comprehensive benefits package.
Are You the One?
Coca-Cola HBC is seeking ambitious, curious, and self-driven graduates who are ready to lead change and embrace global opportunities.
You’re an ideal candidate if you:
- Have 1–3 years of work experience in any business-related field.
- Hold a university degree or are in your final year, ready to commit full-time.
- Fluent in English and have a conversational level of the local language in your chosen market.
- Legally eligible to work in the country where you apply.
- Open to relocation for international assignments.
- Have demonstrated leadership experience in school projects, NGOs, sports, start-ups, or student associations.
- Passionate about innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.
Why Coca-Cola HBC
Coca-Cola HBC is a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company, operating in 29 markets across Europe and Africa. With over 100 iconic brands and a workforce comprising more than 70 nationalities, the company fosters a culture of diversity, learning, and growth.
Joining Coca-Cola HBC means joining a global community that plays to grow, win, and make a difference.
Benefits
- Paid, full-time employment
- Leadership mentorship and coaching
- Development opportunities across business functions
- International assignments and travel exposure
- Learning with Hult International Business School
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
Program Duration
The International Leadership Trainee Program runs for 18–24 months, starting in April 2026. Upon successful completion, participants are considered for leadership and managerial roles across Coca-Cola HBC’s global network.
If you’re a graduate eager to build an international career, gain real business experience, and learn directly from some of the best leaders in the world, this is your chance.
Bring your talent, curiosity, and personality, and Coca-Cola HBC will help you shape your future as a leader who drives impact and innovation.
APPLY FOR THE COCA-COLA INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINEE PROGRAM
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