Feedstock and Operations Internship at Business & Development Department

DePoly seeks an Intern for its Business & Development Department in Zurich to support PET recycling feedstock sourcing and operations.

This internship sits within the Business & Development Department, concentrating on securing feedstock and managing operations for PET recycling initiatives. The position plays a key part in scaling emerging recycling technologies and advancing plastic circularity goals.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and connect with potential suppliers of PET waste.
• Manage supplier partnerships, handle negotiations, and guarantee a steady supply of raw materials.
• Develop a comprehensive supplier database containing quality metrics, pricing, volume data, logistics needs, and reliability scores.
• Draft standard operating procedures for handling feedstock, managing material flow, and controlling inventory.
• Design dashboards, tracking systems, and automated reporting mechanisms.
• Establish workflows to monitor feedstock batches, volumes, material specs, and chain of custody.
• Construct cost models for feedstock and logistics, alongside assessments of supply reliability.
• Collaborate with R&D and Engineering teams to align feedstock specifications with process performance.
• Investigate waste classification rules, transport regulations, and cross-border shipment requirements.

Requirements

• Capacity to work across disciplines and inquire about the links between feedstock quality, suppliers, logistics, and costs.
• Self-starter who can take ownership, work autonomously, and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Commercial and partnership mindset with an understanding of trade-offs and supplier incentives.
• Excellent English communication skills for supplier negotiations and presenting to leadership.
• Detail-oriented and reliable in documentation, with a pragmatic approach to solving problems with incomplete information.
• Willingness to engage in operational tasks, including visiting demo plants and handling materials.
• Must hold a valid Swiss working permit or be eligible to work in Switzerland.

Nice to have

• Academic background in environmental, chemical, or process engineering, supply chain, or industrial management.
• Previous academic or professional experience in waste management, recycling, or chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with or interest in applying AI tools in research, production, or procurement contexts.

What the company offers

• A six-month internship at 80% or 100% capacity in a stimulating work environment.
• Potential for further career opportunities upon completion of the internship.
• Hands-on learning of practical business skills within the PET recycling sector.
• Joining an international team located in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

About the company

DePoly operates at the intersection of cleantech and sustainability, with a strong focus on plastic circularity. The organization fosters an international team culture.

• Commitment to cleantech and sustainability.
• Focus on plastic circularity.
• International team environment.