Commercial Management Trainee (m/w/d)

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognised brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programmes that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title: Commercial Management Trainee (m/w/d)

Travel Required? No Travel

Posting Start Date: 02/04/2026

Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered. Job Number# - Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let’s build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Do you want to actively shape the future of the consumer goods market? Then join our team at Colgate-Palmolive and start your 18-month Commercial Management Trainee Program in October 2026.

At Colgate-Palmolive, we bring healthy smiles to the world. Our Trainee Program is your start for an international career. From day one, you take responsibility for your own projects, inspire us with your ideas, and actively shape the market. We believe in your potential and support your personal and professional development through continuous feedback from experienced mentors and leaders - the ideal foundation for your path in our global company.

What you can look forward to:

• Marketing – Brand Management: Expand your knowledge of consumer behavior and develop/optimise holistic activation and advertising concepts for our global brands.
• Sales: Analyse the German retail business, learn the art of negotiation with customers, and strategically place our products on the shelf.
• Retail Marketing (International): The heart of your traineeship – you will spend 5 months at one of our international locations. Here, you will support the planning and implementation of international market strategies and actively help shape product launches and relaunches firsthand.
• Actively shape the business growth of our brands: Take on strategic projects and work closely with internal teams and external partners to successfully implement groundbreaking initiatives.

Qualifications

• You recently completed your Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (ideally with a background in Business Administration (BWL), Marketing, Sales, or similar fields).
• You have already gained initial commercial work experience (e.g., internships, working student positions), preferably in a dynamic environment.
• You have international experience (e.g., semester abroad/international internship) or initial professional exposure to global brands.
• You demonstrate strong solution- and customer-oriented thinking, as well as analytical skills and an independent way of working.
• You are communicative and open, enjoy working in a team, and think cross-functionally while keeping an eye on priorities and deadlines.
• Fluent German and English language skills.

Benefits

• An attractive compensation package.
• HVV Proficard and corporate benefits.
• Meal vouchers, free products of our brands, EGYM Wellpass, supplemental health insurance, workation, and much more.
• Dog-friendly office in the heart of Hamburg, directly on the Außenalster.
• Close support and guidance throughout the entire program through regular feedback sessions.
• A "Buddy" and a mentor who will help you build a network within the company.
• A dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary work environment that promotes innovation and collaboration.
• You have the opportunity to make a difference in one of our employee initiatives, such as Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Mental Health, and more.

Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.