The Softbedding Company is a growing manufacturing and supply-chain business. We work with major Irish and UK retailers, manage a diverse product range, and handle everything from product development to imports, exports, compliance and commercial operations.
We are now inviting applications for our Commercial & Operations Graduate Programme, a 24-month hands-on development programme designed for ambitious B.Comm, Business, or Marketing graduates seeking a broad, practical foundation in a real manufacturing environment.
This is an exceptional early-career opportunity to gain commercial, logistics, quality, audit, and product experience while contributing directly to day-to-day operations and strategic projects.
Role Summary
As a Commercial & Operations Graduate, you will work across our business functions, learning gradually through real responsibilities from day one.
You will receive an initial handover and training period, followed by continued support from the Managing Director and wider team.
You will contribute to key areas including:
* import logistics
* commercial documentation
* customer costing
* compliance and audits
* product and marketing support
* new product onboarding
* trade show preparation
* quality, safety and sustainability documentation
You will also have the opportunity to travel and exhibit at UK and German trade shows, representing the business, building customer relationships, and supporting commercial activity.
Key Responsibilities
Over the course of the 24-month programme, you will develop capability across core areas of the business including:
Commercial & Customer Support
* Prepare commercial documents for UK exports (invoices, packing lists).
* Assist with bespoke costings and commercial proposals for customers.
* Support PowerPoint presentations for new product ranges and sustainability.
* Participate in customer-facing preparations and meetings where appropriate.
Supply Chain & Logistics
* Liaise with shipping and transport companies to manage imports.
* Ensure containers, SADs, and associated charges are processed on time.
* Upload new products and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to internal systems.
* Monitor USD/EUR currency movements and provide internal updates.
Quality, Compliance & Auditing
* Support technical and ethical audits.
* Help maintain audit files, records, and corrective action documentation.
* Assist with internal audits and general compliance administration.
Product, Marketing & Business Support
* Assist with product photography and videography.
* Help design artwork using Adobe tools.
* Support new product onboarding and liaise with manufacturing partners.
* Prepare for and support UK & German trade shows.
General Business Operations
* Support document organisation, internal filing systems, and workforce files.
* Assist with logistics for external consultants (flights, accommodation).
* Contribute to process improvements across the business.
What You Will Gain
* A broad and realistic understanding of commercial, logistics, product and quality functions in a manufacturing environment.
* Hands-on responsibility far beyond what typical graduate programmes offer.
* Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision-making processes.
* Training in Adobe Photoshop, auditing standards, compliance, ERP/BOM systems and product documentation.
* International exposure through UK and German trade shows.
* The opportunity to progress into a permanent role, depending on strengths shown across the programme.
Requirements
Education
* B.Comm, Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related degree.
* Minimum 2.1 required.
Skills & Attributes
* Strong organisational and analytical skills.
* Confident, proactive, and willing to learn.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal ability.
* Comfortable managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
* Interest in commercial operations, logistics, or product lifecycle management.
* Working knowledge of Excel; exposure to Adobe is an advantage.
* Comfortable in a small-team environment where responsibilities are varied.
* Open to occasional international travel (UK and Germany).
What We Offer
* A structured 24-month graduate programme with continuous mentorship.
* Competitive salary.
* Hands-on experience with real responsibility from the start.
* International trade show exposure.
* Opportunity to transition to a permanent role after programme completion.
* A friendly, supportive, close-knit team environment.