nove
Overview
I interned at nove, a coffee machine and vending systems leasing startup based in Dubai, UAE. During my time there, I learned about the various vending solutions and products offered, was introduced to different commercial models, and observed how leads are acquired and converted into customers using their state-of-the-art CRM system.
The majority of my internship was spent at the nove showroom in City Walk, Dubai, with occasional visits to the Business Bay office shared with Secure Parking, another Al Shirawi company.
What I Learned
Four areas of exposure across commercial, operational, and HR functions.
01
Products & Commercial Models
Learned about nove's vending solutions and product range. Understood how different commercial models work and how leads are acquired and converted using their CRM system. Also explored the company's history and growth trajectory.
02
Televend & Machine Management
Gained access to the Televend system — a centralised management platform for vending machines across the Dubai Metro network — to understand how machines are monitored, maintained, and refilled remotely.
03
HR & Recruitment
Interacted with Al Shirawi's HR team, learning the annual performance appraisal process and how it feeds into payroll calculations including bonuses. Explored nove's unique recruitment process, shaped by its geographic context in Dubai.
04
Procurement & Maintenance
Gained insights into global coffee sourcing (India, Brazil, Ecuador), stock management for machines, and how spare parts are ordered from suppliers in the Netherlands and UK. Completed a maintenance checklist walkthrough with a field technician.
Showroom
nove showroom, City Walk, Dubai