Description

Graduate Operations Programme – Food Manufacturing (UK Top 100 Brand) Key Criteria: Programme start date: 7 September 2026 Location: Kirkham, Lancashire (on-site) Salary: £28,000 in Year 1, rising to £29,500 in Year 2 Eligibility: Open to graduates from all degree disciplines Application target: Graduates with a strong work ethic, ambition to lead, and willingness to rotate across departments and locations Key attributes: Team player, analytical thinker, great communicator, physically and mentally resilient Must be mobile and flexible – some shifts and travel across UK/Ireland sites required About the Programme This graduate programme is tailored for those looking to step straight into real operational roles with increasing responsibility, backed by formal training, a detailed learner journey, and close mentorship. Your Experience Will Include: Cross-departmental rotations across manufacturing, logistics, quality, technical, and commercial operations Factory floor involvement (90%) – learn each production role by doing it yourself Office-based tasks (10%) – gradually increase commercial exposure across sales, planning, and management End-to-end process understanding , from procurement and production to customer delivery Hands-on projects covering data analysis, SOPs, process optimisation and customer-specific improvements Presentations and assessments at the end of each rotation to demonstrate learning and progress Skills & Attributes We’re Looking For We’re open to graduates from any academic background – we’re more interested in how you think, work, and learn than what you studied. You should have: Strong numerical skills – able to analyse production data, yields, and operational KPIs A strong work ethic – part-time work experience or balancing responsibilities during studies is a plus People management potential – confident working with large, diverse teams in a labour-intensive setting Resilience – comfortable working in production environments, including meat processing areas Problem-solving mindset – especially under pressure Team experience – proven collaboration in sports, work, volunteering, or academic projects Clear communication – confident presenting ideas and interacting with colleagues from different cultures You’ll Thrive If You Are: Driven and ambitious – with a desire to become a manager in operations Proactive and curious – you don’t wait to be told; you ask, explore, and push yourself to learn Flexible and mobile – willing to travel across the UK and Ireland, and work different shifts during rotations Aligned with our values : Responsibility – take initiative and own your performance Ambition – challenge yourself and set big goals Passion for Food – genuinely care about quality and the industry Teamwork – build great relationships with people at all levels What You'll Get As part of the Graduate Operations Programme, you’ll receive: A dedicated mentor to support your career journey A detailed learner journey with checkpoints, feedback, and development plans Regular skills training , hands-on coaching, and leadership development Exposure to a top 100 UK food brand and a pathway into operational leadership Additional Benefits Include: Employee discount scheme Discounted meat products Educational assistance and L&D support Cycle to Work scheme Enhanced holiday with service Employee Assistance Programme