Technical Graduate Trainee - Anwick, Spalding, Grantham

Pilgrim'S Europe; South Witham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract from Day One

Three rotations (6 months each)

ILM leadership development

Fully funded Mini MBA scholarship

Mentoring and coaching

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe invites applications for the Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee program. Over 18 months you will complete three structured rotations across Anwick, Spalding and Grantham sites, gaining hands-on experience in technical leadership, food safety and quality.

You will earn a permanent contract from Day One and access ILM leadership development, with opportunities to progress into senior technical roles. A fully funded Mini MBA scholarship and dedicated mentoring are available.

Qualifications

• Passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.
• Motivated, resilient and eager to learn.
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships.
• Thrive in fast-paced environments and hands-on roles.
• Ambition for a long-term career in food manufacturing.
• Willing to complete all three rotations and relocate as needed.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available).

Responsibilities

• Understand food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability.
• Audit production processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support investigations and structured problem-solving activities.
• Work with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence.

Skills

Food safety

Quality assurance

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Leadership potential

Education

2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship

Job description

Technical 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.

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

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

Who We’re Looking For

• Have achieved, or are 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.