Careers

Commercial Graduate Programme

We are a major global agri-business with a clear vision: to be a world leader in providing the food the world needs in a responsible way.

In this crucial role, we need to have the most talented individuals working with us. Which is why we want to attract the world’s very best graduates – and give them unrivalled opportunities to become truly outstanding commercial professionals.

Our Commercial Graduate Programme is designed to help us find and develop these remarkable people. Are you one of them? And do you share our commitment to making a positive impact on the planet and its population? If so, our programme is for you. This is your first step in a brilliant career, in a vital industry.

Exciting opportunities you will not find elsewhere

This programme opens up a range of valuable experiences:

  • Opportunities to gain a deep understanding of how our business operates, defined by strong values and beliefs and a culture of collaboration.
  • Encouragement to contribute to our sustainability mission of becoming the world leader in sustainable commodity supply chains. The chance to gather insights on the latest commercial thinking, and to explore new ways of working.
  • Coaching from a dedicated technical expert, with impressive experience and knowledge.
  • The opportunity to attend a global graduate event and be placed on an exciting international assignment.

The greatest opportunity comes when you have completed the programme and proven your abilities – the opportunity to embark on a rewarding commercial career with a world-leading agri-business.

Applications for the programme are now closed until spring 2020.

The Commercial Graduate Programme in more detail

We have opportunities in key origination locations

Including Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine and Russia. The programme has been designed to give you the organisational knowledge and operational expertise you will need to begin your commercial career with us. The full rotational programme takes a minimum of 18 months to complete.

You will have a technical coach to guide you through the on-the-job aspects of your work, you will also join a small team to complete a challenging project. This will be sponsored by a senior business leader and will help you build a network of contacts and gain valuable practical experience.

Opportunities available worldwide

Click on the map locations below for more details about graduate positions in Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine and Russia.

Brazil

We have graduate positions available across our Grains & Oilseeds, Sugar and Coffee divisions. Our regional hub is in São Paulo.

Ukraine

We have graduate positions available in our Grains & Oilseeds division. Our regional hub is in Kyiv.

Russia

We have graduate positions available in our Grains & Oilseeds division. Our regional hub is in Krasnodar.

South Africa

We have graduate positions available in our Grains & Oilseeds division. Our regional hub is in Stellenbosch.

Argentina

We have graduate positions available in our Grains & Oilseeds division. Our regional hub is in Buenos Aires.

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Our vision, mission and values

To achieve our ambition on becoming the world leader in agriculture supply, we will harness the power of our people by embedding a culture of positivity - our Sunshine Culture.

More about our Vision and Culture

What you will need to join the programme

To succeed on our Commercial Graduate Programme, you will need a keen interest in the commodity markets – especially relating to agricultural products. You will also recognise the value of honesty and integrity, and of an inclusive, diverse workplace – and be keen to bring food security to where it is needed most without depleting natural resources or harming communities.

As this is a graduate programme, you will need a university degree in business administration, economics, agricultural sciences or similar. You do not need post-graduate working experience, but we will consider your application if you have worked for up to three years after finishing your degree.

The selection process will be in English, so you will need to be fluent. You will also need to speak the language of the country where you are applying and be a citizen there or have a work permit.

“Working here is like being on an exciting journey, there is a crisp breath of fresh air added to my career. I am equipped with more than enough resources to achieve the goals set by this company, most of all I can work on a healthy future at the same time. It’s invigorating and a long-term commitment to personal growth. It’s the kind of career you dream about and then you are pleasantly surprised by how your expectations are blown away with something better.”

– Chantel De Klerk, Accounting and Reporting Assistant, South Africa

“In the time I have been working for COFCO International, I have developed invaluable skills and knowledge that will equip me for my career path, and I will never look back. With COFCO’s diverse culture there is a place for everyone. If you are looking to pursue a career in a professional working environment where integrity and respect is highly valued, COFCO International is the place for you!”

– Frikkie Knoetze, Trade Assistant – Grains & Oilseeds, South Africa

“I am constantly learning and given new challenges and I am happy to be part of a company that cares about culture and values. I´m able to use my intercultural skills and different languages every day to interact with colleagues from different countries and cultures. I have been given the opportunity to participate in global projects which encourages me to grow as a professional and as a person.”

– Astrid Raspanti Rappelhofer, Credit Risk Analyst, Argentina

“COFCO International is one of the fastest moving companies in the industry. The pace at which our footprint in key origins and destinations is growing never stops to amaze me. It is not only about our assets, it’s also about people and global teams. Being part of the COFCO International family, we work in partnership with other departments from around the globe to ensure we can meet targets and facilitate the supply chain. We are all focused on results and know how to achieve them in a timely way. COFCO International is the place to grow fast as a professional and as a person.”

– Maxym Klymenko, Head of Grain desk, Ukraine

“The saying “Find a career you love, you'll never work a day in your life” is how I feel working at COFCO International. We are all aligned to one aim - to do the things we love whilst achieving long-term profits for the company. At COFCO International we have a great opportunity to learn and grow, get new experience, share best practices and realise our potential. It's a pleasure to work in such a great team and I'll do my best for future progress and achieving new goals for the benefit of the company.”

– Oksana Malikova, Senior Forwarder, Ukraine

“COFCO International maintains a strong spirit of competitiveness, a desire to do better and to grow, providing constant evolution and challenges for our teams. It is very gratifying to be part of one of the largest companies in the world and contribute to the results of it. COFCO International is recognised as a leader in the sugarcane market for its practices and results, generating great visibility to the professionals who work there.”

– Cassiano da Silva Matsunaka, Agricultural Business Manager – Sugar, Brazil

“What I like most about working at COFCO International is the continuous development. There is always something new, something to learn and adapt. This enables us to develop as company, as a team and most importantly as a person. It’s amazing to be part of something so big as COFCO International. It’s very motivating and rewarding to know that my work contributes towards the companies’ success.”

– Anna Ignes de Souza Braga Carneiro Lemes, Trader Assistant – Coffee, Brazil

The selection process

  1. Screening — When we receive your online application, we first check your CV, if you meet the requirements, we will ask you to take an online aptitude test.
  2. First-stage interview — If you pass the aptitude test, you will be invited to attend a first-round online interview.
  3. Assessment centre day — All those who meet the requirements we are looking for will be invited to join one of our assessment centre days. Here you can show us your skills and abilities through a range of exercises. You will also learn more about our culture, people and the programme.

Programme structure

 For any questions, please contact us: graduaterecruitment@cofcointernational.com