Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee

Pilgrim's Europe; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract from Day One

ILM development

Mentoring and coaching support

Exposure to senior leaders

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe invites high-potential graduates to join the Operations Leadership Graduate Programme. Over 18 months, you will complete three six-month rotations across Poultry and Foodservice units, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing, safety and quality while building leadership capability.

You'll join on a permanent contract from Day One, with opportunities for mentoring, coaching and exposure to senior leaders as you progress toward an operations leadership role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)
• Must be motivated, resilient and eager to learn
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle

Responsibilities

• Engage in three structured rotations over 18 months.
• Learn manufacturing operations, safety, quality, and production processes.
• Lead and support teams to drive performance across sites such as Anwick, Ashbourne and Grantham.

Skills

Motivation

Resilience

Relationship building

Hands-on learner

Education

2:2 degree or HLA

Job description

• 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) Lead People. Drive Performance. Build a Career That Lasts. Operations is where everything comes together., Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best‑known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own‑label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses. We would love to hear your feedback please give us a review on.

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 - 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. 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.