Intern- Merchandising - Product Development

US Foods Inc. - Rosemont, Chicago Metro

About the US Foods Summer Intern Program

The US Foods Summer Internship Program provides a forum for students to apply classroom skills and academic training in a real-world business environment. In addition to being assigned business-impacting projects throughout the summer, students will be matched with a manager who will meet with them on a regular basis to provide direction on assignments as well as deliver performance feedback and a mentor who will be available to offer day-to-day guidance and support.

Embracing the organization’s core values, the US Foods Summer Internship Program Mission is to TEAM UP to build a supportive learning environment where we TALK STRAIGHT about performance development by delivering constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to deliver SECOND TO NONE program experiences to those students who spend their summers with us.

Interns will also get exposure to US Foods executive leadership; have an opportunity to participate in learning and social events with other interns across business functions within our Corporate HQ; and have an opportunity to deliver an end of summer presentation to showcase their accomplishments with key business leaders. Dependent upon critical business needs and overall performance during the summer, there may be opportunities for students to continue working as a part-time intern during the school year.

Please note: We are not able to provide internships to students that require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status).

Local candidates are encouraged to apply. For qualified students whose permanent home of record is located outside 50 miles from US Foods Corporate HQ, a stipend will be offered to partially offset housing costs for the summer.

***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***

Hours: Full time (40 hours per week) during the summer (10-12 weeks); possible future part-time opportunities (16-24 hours per week) during the school year, dependent upon current critical business needs and overall performance.

The primary responsibilities are to support the Product Development Team by: (1) Assisting in the product development process from ideation through upcoming product launches; (2) Set-up and execution of product evaluations; (3) Clerical management of technical specifications, label approval, evaluation reports and supporting documentation.

The ideal candidate must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and be able and willing to potentially travel (<10%).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Contribute to Exclusive Brands profitable growth and overall success, with focus on new product innovation, and alignment with overall US Foods strategy.
Assist Product Developers in collaboration with Category, Marketing, FSQA and other functions to drive project potential and assure aligned direction on priorities
Assist in the development of best-in-class food products by ensuring that nutritional attributes, formulas, product and ingredient specifications meet corporate, regulatory, and customer needs
Assist Product Developers in performing product evaluations for training and marketing materials
Possible project work with the Packaging Science and Non-Food Team

Basic Requirements:

Excellent knowledge of HACCP and its application in food industry
Foundation in the core fundamentals of the culinary arts
Must possess a workable knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Additional Requirements:

Must have regular, reliable method of transportation to commute to US Foods’ location

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of the product development process and new product innovation, with some applicable Product Development/Food Science experience
Strong passion for food
Strong sensory evaluation and analysis skills
High collaboration and project management skills to work across a broad business base
Highly organized with a strong focus on detail and accuracy.
Ability to thrive in a complex, high demand, evolving environment, requiring quick responsiveness. Must be able to handle multiple priorities while maintaining focus on the bottom line
Must demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Work effectively in a team environment and as an individual with minimal supervision
Exposure to Packaging Science and packaging work
Comfortable presenting in front of a group

Purpose:

With direct supervision and oversight, the intern position provides exposure and opportunity to investigate a career, gain business knowledge and practical application of a specific function within the food distribution industry.

Physical Requirements:

Job requires worker to:

Sit 0%

Stand 0%

Walk 0%

Drive 0%

Job requires worker to lift:

50-100 lbs. (Heavy) 0%

Job requires worker to carry:

25-50 lbs. (Medium) 0%

Travel:

Less than 10%