Research & Development Graduate Program (Jan 2025)

Suntory Oceania is seeking a talented Research and Development Graduate to join us in 2025!

As a leading beverage manufacturer in the Oceania market, Suntory Oceania has a rich 60-year history, growing from a local juice company to a trans-Tasman beverage leader, known for its iconic range of drinks including V Energy and Suntory BOSS Coffee.

United by Suntory’s Yatte Minahare spirit, the permission to dream big and the determination to make it a reality, we’re embarking on a new chapter of growth, as we partner with Suntory Global Spirits to create Suntory Oceania, a new multi-beverage powerhouse across Australia and New Zealand. Underpinned by our diverse talent, market-leading brands, quality craftsmanship and a strong sense of purpose as partners we will create Oceania’s fourth largest beverage player with over $3bn in retail sales.

With an inspiring growth trajectory ahead, there has never been a better time to join the Suntory family. From mid-2025 in Australia & early 2026 in New Zealand, we will own local manufacturing, sales, and distribution for our full portfolio of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages. By harnessing the best of Suntory from across Australia and New Zealand, we will offer a unique portfolio of over 40 market-leading brands – powered by two local manufacturing sites, five distribution centres and more than 1500 Suntorians.

Together, we will bring the best of Suntory to Oceania!

What’s in it for you? 

As a graduate at Suntory Oceania, you will embark on a comprehensive two-year programme that provides real, hands-on experience across various teams within our organisation. This immersive programme offers opportunities to challenge your thinking, apply your studies in practical settings, and connect with inspiring leaders. Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation to assist you in launching a successful career.  

There is no average day at Suntory Oceania, so you’ll get to experience working in a dynamic environment for a truly innovative company who place their consumers at the heart of everything we do. Our expanding R&D team works across both New Zealand and Australian sites, providing even more opportunities for growth and exposure to different markets.

As part of our graduate programme, you will have the opportunity to work in our Product Development, Packaging, and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs teams, gaining exposure to the manufacturing environment and quality assurance functions. You will also collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering and representatives from other Suntory businesses.

Suntory Oceania strives to attract the best talent, recognising that once we have exceptional people on board, we must continuously develop their skills and foster a leadership mindset. We are committed to your personal growth and will provide you with the tools necessary to advance your career.

Are you up for the challenge? 
Here at Suntory Oceania, we embrace a fun and lively work culture, but we also thrive on challenges. We encourage you to join us if you possess the following qualities:  

• You are in your final year of undergraduate degree and completing your qualification in 2024 in one of the following: B Food Tech or any Food Science/ Food Technology related qualification, BSc, BSc Tech, BTech, BEng, BAppSci
• You are a dynamic individual who thinks outside the box and is as passionate and hungry about making drinks better as much as we are
• You have a proven track record of successfully applying yourself to your studies and participating in extracurricular activities.
• You aspire to make an impact and possess leadership skills that can effectively influence others.
• You demonstrate tons of initiative and are unafraid to dive (head-first) into new challenges.

To be eligible for this position, you must be completing your undergraduate qualification in 2024 and eligible to work in New Zealand.

At Suntory Oceania, we recognise that innovation comes from diverse life experiences. We welcome applications from individuals of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, abilities (superpowers), ages, life stages, sexualities, and genders to join the Suntory Oceania family. We are 100% proud of our people; we empower each other to go for it and make a difference together.

“What about the perks?” you ask…

In addition to being part of a fantastic team, we offer flexible working arrangements and provide you with a day off on your birthday. We also offer unparalleled learning and development opportunities. Moreover, we have a wonderful staff shop where you can purchase your favourite beverages at heavily discounted prices.

When we’re not working remotely, you will find us at our modern offices in Manukau, which provides a great perk to avoid the hustle & bustle of the city commute. We offer plenty of onsite parking and complimentary fridges stocked full of our iconic beverages to keep you energised (BOSS Coffee or ‘V’ anyone?)! Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to travel to other production facilities across the wider Auckland area, and if you are lucky, even beyond Auckland!

How to apply

Like what you’ve read so far?  If you are seeking the opportunity to kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with a strong team culture and excellent growth prospects, then this is the perfect role for you! Applications close end of day 28th July 2024.

If you require any specific support or adjustments throughout the recruitment process to enable you to put your best foot forward, please don’t hesitate to let us know.