Job Description

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognised brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programmes that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.
Information at a Glance
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Job Title:  Customer Development Intern
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  27/08/2026
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #175782 - Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Report to: Customer Development Manager

Location: Woking, UK

Duration: 12 months

Salary Grade: Intern £24300 - £27000

 

Colgate-Palmolive is a truly global, industry-leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. We lead markets with our diverse portfolio, ranging from our iconic Colgate Toothpastes to our beloved Sanex and Palmolive body care products. We are committed to reimagining a healthier future for all people and the planet, and we are accelerating our digital transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, across our operations.

 

As a Customer Development Intern at Colgate-Palmolive based in Woking, you will report to a Customer Development Manager and play a pivotal role within our dynamic commercial team. This exciting 12-month placement offers direct hands-on exposure to major retail accounts, allowing you to develop core commercial strategy, negotiation, and account management skills. As an AI and digital ambassador for the team, you will champion the adoption of cutting-edge AI tools to optimize account mechanics and drive commercial efficiencies. By bridging commercial support with digital innovation, you will deliver immediate value to business growth while building a strong foundation for a future commercial career.

 

As a Customer Development Intern, your responsibilities will include:

  • Drive AI & Digital Enablement: Be a champion of AI at CP with adoption of CP AI tools across the Customer Development team, embedding digital workflows to automate administrative reporting and optimize day-to-day account management processes.

  • Support Commercial & Account Management: Assist Customer Development Managers with joint business planning, tracking promotional performance, and updating master account data to drive brand presence across omnichannel channels.

  • Execute Demand Planning & Analytics: Analyze EPOS tracking and sales data using internal tools (such as Atlas) to support accurate monthly demand forecasting and commercial diagnostics.

  • Manage Operational Excellence: Process invoices, resolve trade spend queries, and partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Digital, and Shopper Marketing teams to ensure seamless new product launches.

  • Strengthen Stakeholder & Retailer Relationships: Prepare data-driven insights and presentation materials for key retailer meetings, building foundational skills in external negotiation and commercial influence.

 

To be considered for this internship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Education: University bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Data Analytics, Economics, or a related field.

  • Technical & Digital Aptitude: Demonstrated proficiency in numerical analysis and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace, alongside a strong interest in leveraging emerging AI tools and digital technologies.

  • Communication Skills: Proven written and verbal communication abilities with a collaborative, team-first approach.

  • Commercial Curiosity: A strong passion for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, retail trends, and omnichannel commerce.

  • Problem-Solving Mindset: Proactive and self-motivated approach to identifying operational efficiencies and presenting fact-based solutions.

  • Agile Leadership: Eagerness to act as an AI ambassador, driving capability building and tech adoption across broader business teams.

 

Career Pathway

  • Customer Development Executive (CDE)

  • Commercial Operations / Analytics Specialist

  • eCommerce / Shopper Marketing Specialist


Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives  to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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