Operations Graduate Trainee - Linton, Attleborough, Spalding, Operations Graduate Trainee - Linton, Attleborough, Spalding

Pilgrim's Europe; Attleborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract from Day One

ILM development

Mentoring and coaching

Senior leadership exposure

Mini MBA scholarship

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking high-potential graduates for an 18-month Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee programme across three rotations at UK sites (Linton, Attleborough, Spalding). You’ll gain hands-on operating experience, leadership exposure, and structured development to prepare for future roles in operations management.

The programme starts on Day One with a permanent contract, competitive salary, onboarding and ILM development, plus mentoring, senior exposure and a clear progression

Qualifications

• Potential, attitude and determination to succeed.
• Willingness to learn and roll up sleeves to get hands-on experience.
• Strong desire to build a career in operations leadership.

Skills

Potential

Attitude

Ownership

Education

2:2 degree or HL Apprenticeship

Job description

Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee

Start Date: Monday 13 September 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 - 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

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.