McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer - Undergraduate Industry Placement

McDonald's; Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Mentoring

Industry exposure

Networking events

Insight days

Job summary

McDonald’s Undergraduate Industry Placement offers a full 12‑month experience within one of its leading suppliers, rotating through the supply chain from farm to restaurant in the UK & Ireland. You will report to a supervisor within the supplier’s Agriculture Team while gaining exposure to the wider supply chain.

The role includes hands-on projects focused on sustainability and efficiency, plus a brief period as a McDonald’s restaurant crew member to understand operations.

Qualifications

• Passion for food, farming, or supply chains.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Willingness to learn about careers within food supply chains and farming.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through multiple areas of the supply chain, from farm to restaurant.
• Gain hands-on experience with supplier agriculture teams and progressive farms.
• Visit key suppliers to gain insight into agricultural operations and supply chains.
• Spend a period working as a crew member in a McDonald's restaurant.
• Act as an ambassador for McDonald's and its suppliers at industry events.

Skills

Passion for food/supply chains

Independence & teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Full-time undergraduate student (third-level education)

Job description

Undergraduate Industry Placement

Placement Duration: 12 Months
Location: UK & Ireland
Salary: £26,500
Programme Dates: August 2027 – August 2028

What Team Will I Be Part Of?

Participants will join one of McDonald's leading suppliers and gain practical experience across the supply chain, following products from farms through to restaurants.

You will report to a supervisor within the supplier's Agriculture Team while gaining exposure to different areas of the wider supply chain.

Supplier Category Location

Arla Dairy Leeds

Cranswick Pork Hull

Dawn Meats Beef Republic of Ireland

Kepak Beef Republic of Ireland / UK

Kinisla Dairy Republic of Ireland

McCain Potatoes Scarborough

Noble Foods Eggs Lincoln

OSI/Pickstock Beef Scunthorpe / Telford

Pilgrims Europe Poultry Ashbourne / Lincolnshire / Northern Ireland

The Lakes Eggs Penrith

The Opportunity

This placement offers the chance to:

• Join one of McDonald's key suppliers for a full year.
• Rotate through multiple areas of McDonald's supply chain, from farm to restaurant.
• Gain hands-on experience with supplier agriculture teams and progressive farms.
• Work on projects focused on sustainability, technical efficiency, and agricultural innovation.
• Visit key suppliers to gain insight into agricultural operations and supply chains.
• Spend a short period working as a crew member in a McDonald's restaurant.
• Act as an ambassador for McDonald's and its suppliers at industry events.

Qualifications

We are looking for passionate, curious, self-motivated, and driven undergraduates who can thrive in a fast-paced environment within the McDonald's supply base.

Students from all degree disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. An agricultural background is not essential, as diverse perspectives strengthen the industry.

What Background Do I Need?

Candidates should have:

• A passion for food, farming, or supply chains.
• The ability to work independently and within a team.
• A willingness to learn about careers within food supply chains and farming.

Benefits

• Competitive placement salary of £26,500.
• Professional development and mentoring from industry experts.
• Exposure to the wider agri-food sector across multiple businesses.
• Flexibility to tailor the programme to your personal development goals.
• Excellent networking opportunities within both the placement cohort and a global brand.
• Insight Days with other McDonald's suppliers throughout the year.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a full UK or Irish driving licence.
• Be willing to relocate and/or travel within the UK and Ireland.
• Be currently undertaking full-time third-level education.
• Have the legal right to work in the UK and Ireland.