Overview
A Triple Award‑Winning Graduate & Training Initiative As a Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee, you’ll be right at the heart of how we make safe, high‑quality food at scale. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused, detail‑driven programme where you will build strong technical expertise and play a key role in protecting our products, customers and brands. This 18‑month Technical Leadership Programme is designed for graduates who want to lead people, drive performance, and make a measurable impact across our business. What matters most is your attitude, curiosity, and ambition to grow.
Start Date: September 2026
Programme overview
* 18‑month management development programme
* Three 6‑month site rotations across Pilgrim’s Europe Technical functions
Rotation 1: Hyde (Sept-Feb)
Rotation 2: Ashbourne (Mar-Aug)
Rotation 3: Bromborough (Sep-Feb)
Your final placement location will be carefully matched to your interests, strengths, and development goals. Whichever site you join, you’ll gain real responsibility across fast‑paced operations and build a deep understanding of how exceptional food quality is delivered, maintained, and continually improved.
This is not an observational role — you’ll roll up your sleeves, contribute to meaningful projects, and work closely with experts who will support, challenge, and stretch you throughout the programme.
You’ll experience
You’ll become part of a high‑performing Technical function, championing food safety, quality and authenticity. You’ll help deliver products and services that consistently meet — and exceed — customer and consumer expectations.
You will do this by
* Building a strong understanding of the principles behind safe food production (hazards, prerequisites, allergens, traceability) and how quality standards are set, verified and maintained.
* Supporting day‑to‑day Technical and Quality activities, including completing checks, capturing data and maintaining accurate records.
* Auditing production processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting structured problem‑solving activities.
* Contributing to internal, retailer or customer audits and preparing evidence and documentation.
* Working with cross‑functional teams to ensure standards, processes and behaviours deliver Technical Excellence every day.
Along the way, you will gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, enabling you to make fact‑based, data‑driven decisions and influence performance with confidence.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have a complete understanding of how food is manufactured from end to end — and a clear ability to show how Technical leadership protects our people, processes, products and brands.
Grow into a confident Technical Leader
Throughout The Programme, You’ll Develop Capability In
* Technical Knowledge & Expertise
* People Management & Development
* Effective Communication & Influence
* KPI Management & Data Analysis
* Customer & Stakeholder Management
* Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
Your Career Pathway After the Programme
After successfully completing the programme, you will progress into a people‑leader role within the Pilgrim’s Europe Technical team — aligned to your strengths and long‑term career ambitions.
* Continue to lead teams while building deeper technical expertise
* Play a critical role in delivering food safety and quality best practice
* Receive ongoing development, coaching and progression support
* Have the opportunity to apply for a fully‑funded Mini MBA scholarship
This programme forms part of our Triple Award‑Winning Graduate & Training Initiative, designed to develop the leaders who will shape the future of food.
Essential Criteria
You must have:
* A minimum 2:2 degree or a completed Degree‑Apprenticeship
Plus the Attributes That Make a Future Leader
* Genuine interest in food safety and quality
* Motivated, resilient and proactive
* Strong communication and organisational skills
* Willingness to rotate across sites
* Full UK driving licence
* Hunger to learn, lead and progress quickly
* Right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available)
To find out more about this programme, visit: Graduate Trainee Programme ¦ Pilgrim's Europe
Add a Bit of Flavour to Your Foodie Career - A Plateful of Opportunities with Our Pilgrim’s Europe Graduate Trainee Programme.
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