Operations Graduate Trainee - Linton, Attleborough, Spalding

Pilgrim's Europe; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract from Day One

Competitive starting salary

Three-week immersive onboarding

ILM development accreditation

Dedicated mentoring and coaching

Fully funded Mini MBA scholarship

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is offering an Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee role in the UK. Over 18 months, you will rotate through three six-month placements across pork production sites to build leadership and operational skills.

You'll be joining on a permanent contract from Day One and will access structured onboarding, mentoring and ILM development to accelerate progression into team leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA).
• Willing to complete all three rotations.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available).

Responsibilities

• Lead people across rotations to support operational performance.
• Support delivery and improvement of manufacturing operations.

Skills

Motivation & resilience

Driving licence

Willingness to learn

Education

2:2 degree or HLA

Job description

Operations 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.

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 - Linton - Pork Business Unit - Learn the Operation: Build a strong understanding of manufacturing, safety, quality, production processes and operational performance.
• Rotation 2: March - August - Attleborough - Added Value - Chilled Ready Meals Site - Run the Line: Develop your problem-solving, decision-making and continuous improvement skills while supporting operational delivery.
• Rotation 3: September - February - Spalding - Fresh Pork Site - 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
• 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.

Applications Close: 13th of January 2027 TPBN1_UKTJ