Customer Development Intern

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