Supply Chain Intern, NC Summer 2027

About the role

Location: Fayetteville, NC. Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production, voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. A wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), Kuraray operates in 32 countries with over 11,000 employees worldwide, including 800+ in the United States. Founded in 1926, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026 with global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives; interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects.

The paid internship program runs for 13 weeks during summer 2027 with flexible start dates. Interns work full‑time and split their time between a major project and daily tasks. No housing is provided. The Supply Chain Intern rotates through core supply chain functions — asset scheduling, raw material and packaging planning, and ERP/MES systems — gaining exposure to experienced professionals and function‑specific tasks driven by current business needs.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Database Improvement: Support ongoing maintenance of a centralized database for packaging specifications, including standardization of documents and qualified vendor details (contracts, pricing, ordering).
• Returnable Packaging – RFID tracking: Analyze existing RFID tracking system to determine potential opportunities for enhancement and expansion.
• Asset Scheduling: Support asset scheduling processes utilizing ERP/MES systems with a focus on optimizing processes for production campaign size and frequency.
• Inventory Management: Establish safety stocks and determine re‑order points/order quantities to optimize inventory and reduce emergencies at the FW site.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing a B.S. in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or relevant degree.
• Completed at least two years of college education before beginning internship.
• Strong academic performance — minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA — and extracurricular achievement.
• Demonstrated communication and leadership skills.
• Above‑average computer skills (Excel, MS SharePoint, Power BI).
• Ability to communicate and gather input from various sources.
• Ability to plan and organize work and document progress clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity.
• Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.
• Must successfully pass pre‑employment screening process.
• Must be able to work efficiently in a remote environment.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Skills

• Customer Focus — Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Business Insight — Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation — Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Action Oriented — Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability — Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results — Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborates — Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference — Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively — Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage — Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust — Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability — Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.