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Food Business Development Intern (Summer 2026)

Chicago, IL

WHO WE ARE

We are a company where people matter. 

We are family driven. 

We are financially strong.

And we are looking for problem-solvers to join our growing team.  

BENEFITS

  • Competitive pay
  • Professional development workshops & training
  • In-person networking opportunities with leadership and peers
  • Hands-on project experience with real business impact
  • Paid volunteer time 
  • Company-sponsored events and activities
  • Potential for full-time opportunities upon graduation

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nlFHnnfvhk

Food Business Development Intern (Summer 2026)

The primary purpose of this position is to gain practical work experience in the food industry while spending time in food production facilities as well as engaging in business development activities. This role offers exposure to food and beverage processing environments, chemical sanitation solutions, and the business side of food sales, including vendor/customer relationships, lead generation, and understanding the sales process.  By taking time to listen and truly understanding customers’ unique sanitation and process needs, you will be able to offer solutions, understand Hydrite’s value proposition, help drive growth new business growth in food sanitation.

This position will extend from June until August and will work both on-site at Food Customers as well as working on business development sales initiatives 40 hours per week. The role will require flexibility to work off-shift hours, as needed.

As a Food Group Intern, primary responsibilities include:

  • Participate in job shadows at food processing and industrial manufacturing accounts to learn Hydrite’s product applications and plant processes.
  • Attend joint sales calls with Business Development Managers, Regional Managers, and Commercial Directors to build sales acumen and technical selling skills.
  • Provide technical support at customer accounts, including attending trials, performing chemical testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Assist in building business analysis reports, sales presentations, and lead generation reports with the business development team
  • Learn Hydrite’s business portfolio, including chemistry, customers, and cross-functional teams
  • Engage in problem solving by performing system analysis, interpreting data, and providing recommendations to optimize customer operations.
  • Represent the company at local industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote brand visibility and generate leads
  • Provide a thorough, timely analysis for assigned daily, weekly, or monthly projects/tasks that relate to the intern’s area of study. 
  • Uphold Hydrite’s Standard of Excellence through a continuous commitment to maintain quality and uphold the professional culture of Hydrite.
  • Perform all relevant duties as outlined by your manager and all other duties to be assigned.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

  • This position reports to the Regional Sales Manager of the assigned region.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA

  • Currently enrolled in accredited university in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree. BS Degree in, Food or Dairy Science, Business, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred.
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word and Excel required.
  • Must be a self-starter.
  • Good presentation skills preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills preferred.
  • Must have communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write, and speak English.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

  • Summer Kick-Off Event: A two-day introduction with plant tours, leadership Q&A, team-building, and networking with interns and co-ops across Hydrite.
  • Learning Opportunities: Development sessions on DISC, career pathing, and soft skills, plus a 2-day showcase to present your projects to leadership.

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED?  FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Learn more about Hydrite on our website: www.hydrite.com/careers

Privacy Notice for California Residents: https://www.hydrite.com/Legal/Privacy-Notice-for-Employees.htm

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