Project & Operations Coordinator Internship at Ares Holdings

The SETA Graduate Internship (Project & Operations Coordinator) at Ares Holdings offers a dynamic learning and development opportunity within the retail sector. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience in supporting the successful delivery of operational projects, focusing on project coordination, operational reporting, administration, executive support, and process improvement. Interns will gain exposure to cross-functional collaboration and build foundational skills in project management and operational coordination within a fast-paced environment. This internship is ideal for individuals with a genuine interest in project management, retail operations, and business improvement, seeking to launch their careers.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination:

• Support the day-to-day coordination of operational projects, ensuring project plans, actions, milestones, and timelines remain on track.

• Assist with maintaining project plans, trackers, action logs, and dashboards using Microsoft Excel, Monday.com, and other project management tools.

• Support the collection, consolidation, and reporting of operational project data to measure project progress and key performance indicators.

• Prepare project status reports, presentations, meeting packs, and progress updates for project teams and operational stakeholders.

• Capture meeting minutes, action items, project risks, issues, dependencies, and decisions, ensuring timely follow-up with relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinate project meetings, workshops, store visits, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring all logistics are effectively managed.

• Assist with coordinating cross-functional operational initiatives involving stores, distribution centres, support office departments, and external partners.

• Track project deliverables and ensure project documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support change management activities, including communication, training coordination, and implementation tracking.

• Contribute ideas to improve operational processes, project templates, reporting tools, and ways of working.

• Participate in project reviews, lessons learned sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Executive & Personal Assistant Support:

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Operations Project Manager and Operations Leadership team.

• Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate appointments while ensuring effective time management.

• Organise travel arrangements, accommodation, and meeting logistics where required.

• Prepare agendas, presentations, reports, and supporting documentation for meetings and leadership engagements.

• Record accurate meeting minutes and ensure action items are tracked and followed up with relevant stakeholders.

• Manage incoming correspondence, emails, and meeting requests, ensuring timely responses and appropriate prioritisation.

• Maintain organised electronic filing systems, project documentation, and confidential records.

• Coordinate departmental communications, meeting invitations, and follow-up actions.

• Assist with preparing monthly operational reports, presentations, and business review documentation.

• Support the coordination of operational events, leadership meetings, workshops, and team engagement initiatives.

• Assist with procurement requests, purchase orders, invoice tracking, and supplier administration where applicable.

• Handle confidential information with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

• Provide general administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the Operations Project Office.

Why Join Ares Holdings

Ares Holdings is committed to fostering talent and providing a supportive environment for aspiring professionals. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a leading retail organisation, work alongside experienced professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects. You will be part of a team that values innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. We offer a structured learning path designed to enhance your skills in project management, operations, and administration, setting you up for future career success within the company or the broader industry.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply directly via the Ares Holdings careers portal. Please ensure all required documentation is submitted accurately. The application deadline is August 25, 2026. For direct application, please use the following link: Click here to apply for this role.

• Completed or in the process of completing a qualification in Commerce, Office Administration, Business Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• A genuine interest in project management, retail operations, business improvement, and executive support.

• Previous internship, vacation work, or administrative/project coordination experience is advantageous.

• Exposure to retail operations, reporting, administration, or cross-functional environments is beneficial.

• Comfortable working with Microsoft Office, digital collaboration tools, and project management systems.