Operations Graduate Trainee - Anwick, Ashbourne, Grantham

Pilgrim's Europe; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract from Day One

Competitive starting salary

ILM development

Mentoring and coaching support

Exposure to senior leaders

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is launching an Operations Leadership Graduate Programme across three rotating sites in Anwick, Ashbourne and Grantham. The scheme offers a permanent contract from Day One, a competitive starting salary and a structured onboarding with ILM development and mentoring.

You will complete three six-month rotations, gain hands-on leadership experience, and work toward roles such as Operational Team Leader or Production Supervisor upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA).
• Motivated, resilient and eager to learn.
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Learn the Operation: build a strong understanding of manufacturing, safety, quality, production processes and operational performance.
• Run the Line: support operational delivery and develop problem-solving and continuous improvement skills.
• Lead the Team: supervise teams and prepare for your first operational leadership role.

Skills

Motivated

Resilient

People skills

Hands-on learner

Education

2:2 degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

Job description

Lead People. Drive Performance. Build a Career That Lasts. Operations is where everything comes together. Every product we make, every customer we serve and every improvement we deliver relies on exceptional operational teams. If you're ambitious, hands-on and motivated to build a long-term career, our Operations Leadership Graduate Programme will give you the experience, support and development needed to succeed. Unlike many graduate schemes, you'll join us on a permanent contract from Day One, with a clear pathway into operational leadership.

Rotation Journey

Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first Operational Team Leader or Supervisor role.

Rotation 1: September - February - Anwick - Poultry Business Unit

• Learn the Operation Build a strong understanding of manufacturing, safety, quality, production processes and operational performance.

Rotation 2: March - August - Ashbourne - Poultry Business Unit

• Run the Line Develop your problem-solving, decision-making and continuous improvement skills while supporting operational delivery.

Rotation 3: September - February - Grantham - Foodservice Business Unit

• Lead the Team Build the confidence and capability to supervise teams, drive performance and prepare for your first operational leadership role.

Why Choose Our Award-Winning Programme?

• Permanent contract from Day One
• Competitive starting salary
• Three-week immersive onboarding experience with your graduate and placement cohort
• Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) development
• Dedicated mentoring and coaching support
• Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team
• Executive-sponsored business improvement projects
• A thriving graduate community and support network
• Networking, development and celebration events
• Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship
• Clear progression beyond the programme
• Designed for 18 months. Built for a career.

What Happens After the Programme?

Upon successful completion, you'll progress into a role such as:

• Operational Team Leader
• Production Team Leader
• Production Supervisor
• Area Leader
• Group Leader
• Production Shift Manager

Your career pathway could include: Operational Team Leader

• Production Shift Manager Factory Manager Operations Manager Site Director

We're looking for people with potential, attitude and determination. You might be right for this programme if you:

• Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)
• Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships
• Want hands-on experience and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves
• Thrive in fast-paced environments
• Take ownership and show initiative
• Have the grit and determination to build a rewarding 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)