Operations Graduate Trainee - Dungannon, Carrickmacross, Craigavon, Operations Graduate Trainee - Dungannon, Carrickmacross, Craigavon

Pilgrim's Europe; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding programme

ILM development

Mentoring and coaching

Executive exposure

Mini MBA scholarship

Career progression

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is offering an Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee programme in Northern Ireland. The 18‑month rotation path spans three sites (Dungannon, Carrickmacross, Craigavon) with six‑month placements each.

You will learn operations, run the line, and lead teams to build your leadership capabilities. The programme provides a permanent contract from Day One, a competitive starting salary, ILM development, mentoring, executive exposure, and a fully supported career pathway beyond the

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• participate in three structured rotations (six months each) to build operational knowledge.
• Support and learn under operational leaders to drive performance.
• Develop leadership and management capabilities for future supervisor roles.

Skills

Ambition

Resilience

People skills

Leadership potential

Education

2:2 degree in any discipline

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee

Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027

Applications Close: 13th of January 2027

Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme

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.

Your 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 - Dungannon - Fresh Poultry Business Unit

Learn the Operation

Build a strong understanding of manufacturing, safety, quality, production processes and operational performance.

Rotation 2: March - August - Carrickmacross - Added Value Business Unit

Run the Line

Develop your problem‑solving, decision‑making and continuous improvement skills while supporting operational delivery.

Rotation 3: September - February - Craigavon - Poultry 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

With continued development and support, your career pathway could include:

Operational Team Leader → Production Shift Manager → Factory Manager → Operations Manager → Site Director

The programme isn't the finish line. It's the starting point of a career.

Who We're Looking For

• 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)

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