Software Development & Systems Integration Intern

About The Business: Salt of the Earth is an award-winning UK manufacturer of natural deodorants. Founded in 1993, we have grown from a small family business into an international brand, selling products in more than 35 countries worldwide. We have sold over 10 million deodorants and have received multiple industry awards, including two King's Awards for Enterprise. As we continue to grow, we are investing heavily in digital technology to improve the way we manufacture products, manage inventory and run our warehouse operations. Our goal is to replace several disconnected software systems with one integrated platform that provides better visibility, greater efficiency and more accurate business data across the company.

Overview: You will support a major digital transformation project, working with development and operations teams to improve business systems. Tasks include helping develop warehouse, inventory and manufacturing software, working with Python databases, Next.js and AI coding tools. You'll observe business processes, gather user feedback, document workflows and help define software requirements. You'll also assist with software testing, troubleshooting and continuous improvement, helping ensure systems meet user needs. Finally, you'll create user guides, support training activities and present findings and recommendations to the team.

Desirable Skills: An interest in software development and digital technologies and basic experience with Python programming.

Job Description:

You will work alongside our software development and operations teams to support a major digital transformation project.

Software Development & Systems Integration

• Support the development of a bespoke warehouse management system.
• Assist with building a new inventory and manufacturing management platform.
• Help consolidate multiple business systems into one integrated solution.
• Work with Python-based databases and applications.
• Support development using Next.js and modern AI-assisted coding tools.

Process Analysis & User Research

• Observe manufacturing and warehouse processes to understand business requirements.
• Work with staff across the business to gather feedback and identify improvement opportunities.
• Help create process maps and document workflows.
• Assist in defining software requirements and user stories.

Testing & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in software testing and troubleshooting.
• Record bugs, issues and improvement suggestions.
• Help ensure new systems meet operational needs.
• Contribute ideas to improve usability, efficiency and data accuracy.

Documentation & Project Support

• Create user guides and supporting documentation.
• Assist with training materials and knowledge sharing activities.
• Present project findings and recommendations to the team.

This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience in software development within a manufacturing environment.

You will gain:

• Hands-on experience developing business software systems.
• Experience working with Python databases and web technologies.
• Exposure to Next.js and AI-assisted software development.
• Understanding of digital transformation projects in manufacturing.
• Experience gathering user requirements and working with stakeholders.
• Practical experience in software testing and process improvement.
• Mentoring and support from experienced developers and business leaders.
• Experience working on a genuine business-critical project with measurable impact.

Working Pattern

• Approximately 20 hours per week.
• Flexible around university commitments.
• Typical business hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm.
• Full-day attendance preferred where possible, but part-day arrangements can be considered.

This is a hands-on opportunity to work on a live digital transformation project, gain valuable software development experience and make a real contribution to an innovative UK manufacturing business.

Desirable Skills

Currently studying, or recently graduated in, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Digital Technology, Information Systems or a related subject.

- An interest in software development and digital technologies.
- Basic experience with Python programming.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- An interest in understanding how technology can improve business processes.
- Experience with Django or Python web frameworks.
- Knowledge of Next.js, React or modern web development.
- Familiarity with databases and data management.
- Experience using AI-assisted coding tools.
- Interest in manufacturing, automation or process optimisation.
- Experience gathering user requirements or carrying out software testing.