Graduate - Manufacturing Operations/Supply Chain

Premier Foods; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is looking for a Graduate in Manufacturing Operations/Supply Chain. The role involves rotations in various manufacturing sites across the UK, focusing on operational excellence and team leadership. Candidates should have a relevant degree and the right to work in the UK. Benefits include a starting salary of £30,000, holiday entitlements, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus statutory holidays

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Sharesave Scheme

Employee discount scheme

Relocation support loan

Business mentor

Qualifications

• Work experience in industry is required.
• Permanent right to work in the UK (no visa restrictions).
• Willing to undertake formal professional qualification with a relevant Chartered Institute/Professional Body.

Responsibilities

• Gain a broad overview of company structure and functions.
• Support manufacturing teams to meet KPIs for product delivery.
• Lead a small shift team as a team leader.

Skills

Strong communicator – both oral and written

High level of numeracy and accuracy

Competency in Microsoft Suite

Team player

Education

Degree qualified in engineering, manufacturing or science-related discipline

Job description

Graduate - Manufacturing Operations/Supply Chain

Location: Barnsley, GB

Premier Foods Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain Graduate Scheme 2026

Each placement will be completed in a different location across the UK and will involve travel throughout.

Permanent.

Scheme Overview: Corporate induction (4 weeks) at Head Office & a manufacturing location, followed by two 9‑month factory placements at a cake factory and a grocery factory.

Responsibilities:

• Gain a broad overview of company structure, commercial, finance and procurement functions, and brands and values.
• Complete legal training and compliance requirements around IT, HR and people policies.
• Participate in 2‑week factory rotations to gain insight into manufacturing and day‑to‑day processes.
• Work within manufacturing/production teams to meet KPIs for product delivery.
• Collaborate with CI teams to improve processes on the manufacturing lines.
• Support technical teams to ensure correct food‑safety knowledge.
• Assist engineering team with line support and project support at one of six manufacturing locations.
• Lead a small shift team as a team leader, providing day‑to‑day management and hands‑on experience.
• Complete regular 1:1s, Thrive conversations, career and wellbeing conversations.
• Manage discipline, investigations and absence reviews as required.
• Drive daily/weekly/monthly KPIs, improving OEE and maintaining/exceeding production targets.

What we expect from you

• Take ownership of your own learning and show commitment to the scheme.
• Be a team player and support our ESG strategy; be a charity/volunteering champion.
• Remain geographically mobile throughout the scheme duration.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree qualified in engineering, manufacturing or science‑related discipline.
• Work experience in industry.
• Permanent right to work in the UK (no visa restrictions).
• High level of numeracy and accuracy.
• Strong communicator – both oral and written.
• Competency in Microsoft Suite.
• Willing to undertake formal professional qualification with relevant Chartered Institute/Professional Body or similar level 3‑5 qualification.
• UK driving licence (extensive travel required).

Package and Benefits

• Starting salary of £30,000 per annum.
• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays, pension scheme, life assurance, Sharesave Scheme, employee discount scheme including travel, food and shopping discounts.
• Relocation support loan.
• Business mentor.
• Employee assistance scheme.
• More than 10 days off‑job development workshops covering communication, presentation and influencing skills.

Ready to apply?

Click apply, submitting an up‑to‑date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.