Operations Trainee

Job type: Full-time, Temporary

Duration: 6-9 months

Location: Zurich, Switzerland – 100% office-based

Start dates: Between November 15, 2026 and February 1, 2027, depending on team placement

We are looking for an energetic, detail-oriented and proactive individual to join our Operations team in Switzerland.

As an Operations Trainee, you will gain hands-on experience within our global Operations organization and contribute to the successful planning and delivery of our tours.

We are recruiting for several trainee opportunities across our Operations teams, with roles spanning different areas of tour planning, delivery, procurement and customer support. Depending on your team placement, you will work closely with colleagues across Operations, internal stakeholders and external suppliers, while being based at our headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

You’ll be encouraged to take ownership from the start, stay curious, collaborate with others, and pay attention to the details that help us create a beautiful experience for our customers.

Key responsibilities:

You and your team will contribute through:

Operational support – support the day-to-day activities required to plan, prepare and successfully deliver our tours.

Tour coordination – assist with bookings, reservations, allocations, tour changes and other operational processes depending on the needs of your team.

On-tour support – help resolve operational questions and challenges that arise while our customers are travelling, escalating issues when appropriate.

Stakeholder collaboration – work closely with colleagues across Operations and other EF teams to ensure information is shared accurately and our customers receive a consistent experience.

Supplier coordination – communicate and collaborate with external suppliers and partners to support tour logistics, quality, cost-effectiveness and service delivery.

Problem-solving and ownership – take responsibility for your work, respond proactively when something needs attention, and help find practical solutions to operational challenges.

Data, systems and administration – work with data, systems and operational records to maintain accurate information and support effective decision-making and processes.

Continuous improvement – stay curious and contribute ideas and fresh perspectives to help improve our processes, tools and customer experience.

Main objectives for this role:

• Provide reliable and effective support to your team and contribute to the successful delivery of our tours.

• Develop a strong understanding of EF Educational Tours and how our Operations teams work together.

• Put the customer first by delivering accurate, thoughtful and service-minded support.

• Communicate clearly, professionally and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

• Take ownership of your responsibilities and demonstrate initiative when solving problems.

• Bring curiosity, energy and a collaborative approach to your work.

Skills & Experience:

• Fluent in English, both written and verbal; additional languages are an advantage.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Service-minded, with a genuine desire to create a great experience for our customers.

• Proactive, flexible and solution-oriented.

• Curious and eager to learn, with the confidence to ask questions and contribute ideas.

• Quick learner and practical problem-solver.

• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Able to remain calm and professional when circumstances change or challenges arise.

• Collaborative team player who enjoys working with people from different teams, cultures and backgrounds.

• Accountable…