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