The Vacancy
?? Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee
?? Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027
?? Applications Close: 13th of January 2027 – we may close applications early due to high applicant volumes. Early application is encouraged.
?? A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme
Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust.
From Day One, you’ll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands-on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.
Your Rotation Journey
Over 18 months, you’ll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role.
Rotation 1: Dungannon Fresh Poultry SiteRotation 2: Carrickmacross Added Value SiteRotation 3: Craigavon Poultry Site
You’ll learn how safe food is produced at scale by:
- Understanding food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability
- Supporting day-to-day Technical and Quality activities
- Auditing production processes and identifying improvement opportunities
- Contributing to customer, retailer and internal audits
- Supporting investigations and structured problem-solving activities
- Working closely with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence
You’ll also gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, providing the knowledge and confidence to make fact-based, data-driven decisions.
What Makes Our Programme Different?
- Permanent contract from Day One
- Competitive starting salary
- Three structured six-month rotations
- Three-week immersive onboarding experience
- Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) leadership development
- Food Safety and HACCP qualifications
- Dedicated mentoring and coaching support
- Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team
- Executive-sponsored business improvement projects
- Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship
- Clear progression beyond the programme
What Happens After the Programme?
Following successful completion, you’ll be supported into a role aligned to your development, strengths and business needs, such as:
- Technical Coordinator
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Food Safety & Quality Manager
With continued development and support, your career pathway could include:
Graduate Trainee ? Quality Assurance Manager ? Food Safety & Quality Manager ? Technical Manager ? Head of Technical ? Technical Director
The graduate programme isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point of a career.
?? Who We’re Looking For
You might be right for this programme if you:
- Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship
- Have a passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement
- Have strong attention to detail and enjoy problem-solving
- Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn
- Enjoy working with people and building relationships
- Thrive in fast-paced environments
- Want hands-on experience and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves
- Have the ambition to build a rewarding long-term career
- Are willing and able to complete all three rotations
- Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available)
?? Relocation Support
Temporary relocation support is available and will be discussed during the offer process.
?? Find Out More
To find out more about this programme, please visit our website – People – Careers – Graduate Trainee Programme
?? ?? Applications Close: 13th of January 2027
Our Story
Pilgrim’s Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim’s Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim’s Europe team are based in our Pilgrim’s UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim’s Shared Services businesses.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
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