Technical Graduate Trainee - Anwick, Spalding, Grantham

Pilgrim's Europe; Holbeach CP; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is offering a Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee programme. Over 18 months you will rotate through three sites (Anwick, Spalding, Grantham) gaining hands-on experience in technical leadership, quality, and HACCP.

You’ll support audits, investigations and improvements, with on‑the‑job mentoring and progression opportunities. The programme includes a permanent contract from Day One, a competitive starting salary, structured onboarding, and ILM leadership development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree or degree apprenticeship.
• Passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Willing to complete all three rotations and relocate.

Responsibilities

• Complete three structured six-month rotations (Anwick, Spalding, Grantham) to build technical leadership.
• Support day-to-day technical and quality activities within production.
• Engage with operations and cross-functional teams to deliver technical excellence.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Resilience

Relationship building

Education

2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship

Job description

Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee

Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027 Application Close: 13th of January 2027 - we may close applications early due to high applicant volumes. Early application is encouraged. A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust. From Day One, you'll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands‑on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.

Your Rotation Journey Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role. Rotation 1: Anwick ¦ Fresh Poultry Processing Site. Rotation 2: Spalding ¦ Fresh Pork Site. Rotation 3: Grantham ¦ Food Service Processing Site. You'll learn how safe food is produced at scale by: Understanding food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability; Supporting day-to-day Technical and Quality activities; Auditing production processes and identifying improvement opportunities; Contributing to customer, retailer and internal audits; Supporting investigations and structured problem‑solving activities; Working closely with Operations and cross‑functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence. You'll also gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, providing the knowledge and confidence to make fact‑based, data‑driven decisions.

What Makes Our Programme Different? Permanent contract from Day One. Competitive starting salary. Three structured six‑month rotations. Three‑week immersive onboarding experience. Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) leadership development. Food Safety and HACCP qualifications. Dedicated mentoring and coaching support. Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team. Executive‑sponsored business improvement projects. Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship. Clear progression beyond the programme.

What Happens After the Programme? Following successful completion, you'll be supported into a role aligned to your development, strengths and business needs, such as: Technical Coordinator, Quality Assurance Manager, Food Safety & Quality Manager. With continued development and support, your career pathway could include: Graduate Trainee.

• Quality Assurance Manager
• Food Safety & Quality Manager
• Technical Manager
• Head of Technical
• Technical Director

Who We're Looking For

• Have achieved, or is on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship
• Have a passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement
• Have strong attention to detail and enjoy problem‑solving
• Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships
• Thrive in fast‑paced environments
• Want hands‑on experience and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves
• Have the ambition to build a rewarding long‑term 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.

Application Close: 13th of January 2027 TPBN1_UKTJ