Operations Trainee

Procurement Trainee – EF Zurich

With one shared mission of opening the world through education, EF is a multicultural and multilingual community of team members working across 55 countries all around the world. Bring your talents, your perspective, and your ambition. In return, we offer a vibrant, dynamic working environment, and a fulfilling international career.

EF Educational Tours makes it possible for thousands of North American students every year to see the world and discover new cultures through our professionally guided tours. We are seeking a proactive, analytical, and detail-oriented individual to join our Operations department in Zurich as a Procurement Trainee.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

As a Procurement Trainee, you will support our team in sourcing, coordinating, and managing accommodation and transportation services for our educational tours across Europe. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will help ensure we deliver high-quality travel experiences while maintaining competitive costs and operational efficiency.

This is a full-time, fixed-term trainee position, offering hands-on experience in procurement, supplier relationship management, and operational planning within an international environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sourcing and Supplier Management: Support the identification, evaluation, and coordination of suppliers, including assisting with negotiations and maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Cost and Quality Management: Help monitor supplier pricing, contractual conditions, and service quality to ensure competitive costs and a positive customer experience.
• Inventory and Allocation Management: Assist with analyzing demand, securing inventory, and allocating accommodation and transportation services to meet operational needs.
• Market Research and Analysis: Research supplier markets, industry trends, and opportunities to improve our procurement processes and offerings.
• Data and Reporting: Analyze procurement data, track costs, and prepare reports to support informed decision-making and operational improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to coordinate procurement activities, resolve challenges, and support operational priorities.
• Risk and Safety Management: Support supplier compliance processes, monitor potential risks, and escalate safety or service concerns when necessary.
• Process Improvement and Administration: Maintain accurate supplier records, contracts, allocations, and invoices while identifying opportunities to improve tools and processes.

Occasional travel may be required to support procurement activities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and cultures.
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with a willingness to take initiative.
• Adaptable, flexible, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Curious and eager to learn, with an interest in procurement, supplier management, and international business.
• Passionate about educational travel and delivering great customer experiences.
• Fluent in English. Additional European languages are a plus.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING WITH US

People at EF make things happen. We encourage you to take full ownership of your work, regardless of your level or experience. EF team members often say we operate like the world's largest startup because this boundless entrepreneurial spirit is built into our organization's DNA.

Benefits and staff perks

• Fitness Center accessible only for EF staff.
• Network and growth opportunities.
• Discounts at a wide range of local restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other hot spots in Zurich.