Unilever Customer Development Internship – Summer 2026: Launch Your Career with a Purpose-Driven Leader
Embark on an exciting career journey with Unilever, a global powerhouse renowned for its iconic brands that touch the lives of millions worldwide. At Unilever, you're not just an intern; you're a valued member of a purpose-driven organization committed to making a positive impact on consumers, communities, and the planet. From beloved household names like Dove and Knorr to innovative brands such as Liquid IV and Olly, Unilever is at the forefront of creating a better business and a better world.
This Summer 2026 Customer Development (CD) Internship offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with inspiring leaders and passionate colleagues, contributing to business goals while fostering personal and professional growth. If you're seeking a role where you can take pride in your work and inspire others, this program is designed for you.
Understanding the Opportunity: Customer Development at Unilever
Unilever's Customer Development (CD) organization is the driving force behind building categories and implementing cutting-edge retail and shopper strategies. This internship program serves as the primary gateway for launching a successful career within this dynamic field. You'll gain invaluable experience through two distinct pathways:
- Customer Business Development (CBD): Focus on account teams managing key retailers such as Walmart and Loblaws, or delve into the rapidly evolving world of Digital Commerce.
- Customer Strategy and Planning (CSP): Contribute to shaping channel and customer strategies, influencing the very core of how Unilever connects with its consumers.
What You'll Do: Key Responsibilities and Skill Development
As a Customer Development Intern, you will be instrumental in driving business success through a variety of impactful responsibilities, tailored to your chosen specialization:
- Data Management and Analysis: Dive deep into Unilevers vast data resources, transforming raw information into actionable insights that fuel informed decision-making. This involves accessing, managing, and analyzing critical business data.
- Insight Translation: Bridge the gap between data and strategy by converting complex findings into concrete business solutions that drive profitable growth.
- Customer Service and Collaboration: Develop strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring exceptional customer service and contributing to the development and execution of Joint Business Plans with key customers.
- Strategy Implementation (CSP): Support the translation of overarching category growth strategies into practical channel and customer plans, focusing on the critical 6Ps: price, pack, place, promo, proposition, and product.
- Customer and Consumer Advocacy: Become the voice of the customer and consumer within Unilever, representing their needs and perspectives to ensure brand and category plans are aligned with market demands.
Who You Are: Attributes of a Future Leader
Unilever is seeking candidates who embody a proactive and forward-thinking mindset. If you possess the following qualities, you'll thrive in this environment:
- Natural Leader: You actively seek opportunities, champion innovation, and are driven by a commitment to excellence.
- Change-Maker: You are passionate about continuous improvement and inspire others to achieve better results.
- Strategic Visionary: You think creatively to envision new possibilities and develop strategies that drive business growth.
- Storyteller: You excel at using data to craft compelling narratives, solve problems, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Competitive Spirit: You have a passion for leadership in the marketplace and a positive outlook on future success.
What You'll Need to Succeed: Essential Skills and Qualifications
To excel in this role and make a significant contribution, the following skills and qualifications are essential:
- Skills and Attributes:
- Demonstrated leadership and strong teamwork capabilities.
- Robust analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
- Effective communication skills coupled with a creative approach to problem-solving.
- Deep understanding of business complexities and the ability to empathize with consumers.
- Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of your work.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong command of Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, PIVOT TABLE, and SUMIF.
- Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Education: Currently enrolled as a 3rd or 4th-year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or 10.0/12.0).
- Work Environment: Ability to work in-person at the corporate head office in Toronto for a minimum of two days per week, as determined by your manager, and capable of remote work with necessary resources.
- Availability: Commitment to working Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm EST, without academic conflicts, for the full internship duration from May 25th, 2026, to August 24th, 2026.
- Eligibility: Authorized to work full-time in Canada.
Your Internship Journey: Growth and Development at Unilever
The Unilever Internship Program is designed for your success, offering a comprehensive onboarding experience with robust support systems. You will be paired with a dedicated buddy, have a direct line manager for guidance, and access numerous learning opportunities, including interactions with leadership members. The program culminates in end-of-term presentations where you can showcase your accomplishments. This structured yet flexible environment provides ample space to explore your talents and aspirations.
The Advantages of an Internship at Unilever:
- Career Launchpad: This internship is a direct entry point into Unilevers Customer Development team, with the potential for outstanding performers to receive an offer for full-time employment.
- Purpose-Driven Culture: Contribute to a company that actively strives for a better business and a better world, aligning your career with meaningful impact.
- World-Class Development: Benefit from top-tier career development programs and continuous learning opportunities.
- Brand Exposure: Work with some of the most recognizable and loved brands globally.
- Supportive Network: Enjoy a strong support system, including a dedicated buddy and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Unilever is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for driving business results and creating a better future for all. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.